Savory Spam and Tofu Kimchi Stir-fry
Delicious Spam and Tofu Kimchi: A Golden Recipe for Stir-fried Kimchi That’s Even Better with Spam and Tofu
Let’s stir-fry kimchi, a beloved Korean staple, into a delicious dish! This recipe elevates the classic dish with the addition of Spam and soft tofu, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will surely satisfy your palate.
Ingredients
- 1/4 head Napa cabbage kimchi, well-fermented (approx. 300g)
- 1 block firm tofu (for pan-frying) (500g)
- 1 can Spam Classic (approx. 200g)
- 1/4 medium onion (approx. 50g)
- 15g white part of green onion
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, open the Spam can and remove the contents. Briefly blanch the Spam in boiling water for about 30 seconds. This helps to remove any impurities and results in a cleaner taste. After blanching, pat the Spam dry with paper towels.
Step 2
Heat a frying pan with a little cooking oil. Pan-fry the Spam until it’s golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. This brings out a delicious savory flavor and a pleasant texture. Once cooked, slice the Spam into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3
In a clean frying pan, add a little oil and fry the tofu until golden brown on both sides. Achieving a golden, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft is key to delicious pan-fried tofu. This adds a wonderful textural contrast to the dish. Cut the fried tofu into manageable pieces.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the stir-fried kimchi. In a pot or deep frying pan, add a little cooking oil. Add the chopped green onions and sauté over medium-low heat until fragrant, creating ‘green onion oil.’ This fragrant oil is crucial for removing any kimchi funk and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Step 5
Once the aroma of the green onion oil starts to develop, add the thinly sliced onion and stir-fry until it becomes translucent. The natural sweetness of the cooked onion will balance the flavors of the kimchi.
Step 6
When the onions turn translucent, add the kimchi, kimchi juice, gochugaru, and sugar to the pan. Stir-fry over high heat, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined and the kimchi absorbs the seasonings. Cooking quickly over high heat helps maintain the kimchi’s texture.
Step 7
Once the kimchi turns a beautiful reddish hue and starts to slightly caramelize at the bottom, reduce the heat to low. Drizzle in the sesame oil and stir-fry for another 30 seconds. This final step infuses the dish with nutty sesame flavor. Be careful not to overcook, as the kimchi can become tough.
Step 8
Arrange the warm stir-fried kimchi, crispy pan-fried Spam, and soft pan-fried tofu attractively on a serving plate. You can enjoy this as a topping for rice bowls or as a side dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a final touch of nutty aroma and flavor. Your delicious Spam and Tofu Kimchi is ready to be savored!
