Savory Stir-Fried Kimchi with Ham and Silky Tofu
#KimchiRecipe #HamDish #StirFriedKimchiHam #TofuKimchi #MakgeolliPairing
Got some delicious homemade kimchi from last winter? Let’s turn it into a fantastic stir-fry with canned ham! This savory dish, paired with soft tofu, makes for an unbeatable Makgeolli (Korean rice wine) accompaniment. There’s simply no cheaper or tastier way to enjoy Tofu Kimchi! Stir-fried kimchi is the perfect match for tofu. It reminds me of those days at my old haunt, ordering Tofu Kimchi with Pajeon (savory pancake) while enjoying a beer. That place is gone now, but delicious memories linger! Let’s get cooking and make this amazing Stir-Fried Kimchi with Ham!
Ingredients
- Well-fermented Kimchi (from Kimjang) – 1/4 head
- Canned Ham – 1 can (approx. 200g)
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) – 1 Tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Sugar – 2 Tbsp (adjust based on kimchi’s sourness)
- Perilla oil (Deulgireum) – 2 Tbsp (for nutty aroma)
- Toasted Sesame Seeds – 1 tsp (for garnish)
- Chopped Scallions – 3 Tbsp (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the canned ham into bite-sized pieces, about 1cm thick. Heat 1 Tbsp of Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) in a pan over medium heat, then add the cut ham and stir-fry. As the ham releases its fat and becomes lightly browned, it will develop a richer flavor.
Step 2
Once the ham is partially cooked, chop the kimchi into manageable pieces (about 2-3cm) and add it to the pan. Now, add 1/2 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds (or 1 tsp whole sesame seeds), 2 Tbsp of sugar, and 2 Tbsp of perilla oil. Stir-fry everything vigorously over high heat. It’s crucial to stir-fry until the kimchi becomes slightly translucent and retains a pleasant crispness.
Step 3
Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the kimchi to soften slightly and meld with the seasonings. If your kimchi is quite sour, feel free to add a little more sugar. For extra spice, you can add a pinch more Gochugaru. Finish by adding the chopped scallions and stir-frying briefly for added freshness.
Step 4
While the kimchi is stir-frying, rinse the tofu briefly under cold water, pat it dry, and microwave it for about 2 minutes to warm it through. (Alternatively, you can blanch it in boiling water.) Arrange the warm tofu attractively on a serving plate. Drizzle a little sesame oil over the tofu and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Finally, spoon the hot, delicious Stir-Fried Kimchi with Ham into the center of the plate. Your perfect pairing of flavors is now ready to be enjoyed!
