Spicy & Sweet! Kimchi Tofu Canapés for Special Occasions
Christmas & Year-End Party Essential Finger Food: Kimchi Tofu Canapés
Introducing our special Kimchi Tofu Canapés, a unique Korean twist on the classic! Enjoy the delightful contrast of crispy pan-fried tofu topped with a savory and slightly spicy stir-fried kimchi. These canapés are perfect as an appetizer with wine or soju, and their zesty flavor also makes them a great side dish for rice. Bite-sized and easy to handle, they are ideal for kids and make a fantastic finger food for year-end parties or Christmas gatherings. Elevate your festive celebrations with these impressive and delicious canapés!
Main Ingredients
- 1 block Firm Tofu
- 1 head Napa Cabbage Kimchi
- 2 Korean Green Chilies (Cheongyang Pepper)
- Sesame oil or Perilla oil (for cooking)
Stir-fried Kimchi Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 0.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- Sesame oil (for finishing)
- Toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 0.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- Sesame oil (for finishing)
- Toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all the ingredients. For the kimchi, squeeze out excess liquid. Pat the tofu dry with paper towels to ensure a crispier texture when pan-fried.
Step 2
Finely chop the kimchi into small pieces (about 0.5 cm). Thinly slice the Korean green chilies into rounds. If you have cheese slices, use a decorative cutter (like a flower shape) to prepare them for topping the canapés. (Optional)
Step 3
Slice the tofu into approximately 1 cm thick pieces. Use a cookie cutter to shape the tofu pieces as desired (round, flower, etc.). Lightly season the tofu slices with a pinch of salt. Gently pat the surface of the tofu with paper towels to remove any moisture. Heat a generous amount of perilla oil or sesame oil in a pan over medium-low heat, and place the tofu pieces one by one.
Step 4
Pan-fry the tofu on both sides until golden brown and slightly crispy. Frying until lightly golden ensures a pleasant texture contrast.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the stir-fried kimchi. In a clean pan, add a little perilla oil or sesame oil. Add the squeezed kimchi (ensure most of the liquid is removed). If your kimchi is particularly sour, you can add a bit more sugar.
Step 6
Add the seasoning ingredients for the stir-fried kimchi (soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, oligosaccharide, gochugaru) in order. Stir-fry the kimchi over medium heat until it softens and the flavors meld together. Cook until the kimchi is well coated with the sauce. Just before turning off the heat, stir in a dash of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds to finish.
Step 7
Finally, assemble the canapés! Place a spoonful of the stir-fried kimchi onto each piece of golden-brown pan-fried tofu. Top with the prepared cheese slice (if using) and a thin slice of Korean green chili for garnish. Your delicious Kimchi Tofu Canapés are now ready to be enjoyed!
