Sautéed Aged Kimchi with Tuna and Perilla Oil
Sautéed Aged Kimchi with Tuna and Perilla Oil
A Delightful Sautéed Aged Kimchi Paired Perfectly with Tuna
Enjoy a rich and savory sautéed aged kimchi made with nutty perilla oil. This dish is a fantastic accompaniment to rice.
Ingredients- 600g Aged Kimchi (rinsed to remove seasoning and chili powder)
- 1 can Tuna (including the oil)
- 2 Tbsp Scallions (thinly sliced)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Perilla Oil
- Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all the ingredients for the dish. For the aged kimchi, rinse it thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess seasoning and chili powder. Keep the oil from the tuna can for later use. Thinly slice the scallions.
Step 2
This step is crucial for the flavor of your sautéed kimchi. It’s best to rinse the aged kimchi under cold water to get rid of any fermentation smell or excessive sourness. Submerge the aged kimchi in cold water and rinse it a few times, changing the water. If your aged kimchi is very old and intensely flavored, soaking it in cold water for about 30 minutes can help mellow out the sourness. This ensures a clean taste without bitterness or a stale odor. Using the oil from the tuna can will add an extra layer of flavor.
Step 3
Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced scallions and sauté gently until fragrant, creating scallion oil. Once the scallions are fragrant, add the rinsed aged kimchi and stir-fry over medium heat. When the kimchi begins to soften, add 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the sourness. You can adjust the sugar amount or omit it if you prefer a tangier flavor. Since the sourness and saltiness of aged kimchi can vary greatly by household, it’s recommended to taste and adjust the sugar accordingly. After sautéing the kimchi for a bit, add 1 tablespoon of perilla oil for a nutty aroma.
Step 4
Now, it’s time to add the tuna. Add the entire can of tuna, including its oil, to the pan. Stir-fry well, mixing it with the aged kimchi. The tuna will add a delicious umami flavor to the kimchi. Once everything is well combined and sautéed, drizzle in the remaining 1 tablespoon of perilla oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish. Taste as you cook; if it’s too bland, you can add a dash of soy sauce to adjust the seasoning. I was initially concerned about a fishy smell from the tuna, but it actually pairs wonderfully with the aged kimchi, creating a surprisingly delicious combination.
Step 5
Your delicious sautéed aged kimchi with tuna and perilla oil is ready! Adding tuna makes this dish even more flavorful and satisfying. This simple sautéed aged kimchi is an excellent side dish that requires minimal effort. Among various aged kimchi recipes, stir-frying is a quick way to achieve a deep, rich flavor that everyone will enjoy. Served over a bowl of hot rice, it’s simply irresistible!
