Tofu Kimchi: Savory Pan-Fried Tofu with Sesame Oil Meets Spicy Stir-Fried Kimchi with Olive Oil
A Delightful Duo: Pan-Fried Tofu in Sesame Oil and Stir-Fried Kimchi in Olive Oil, Perfect for Enjoying Leftover Kimchi
Our family absolutely adores Tofu Kimchi! After the kimchi-making season, we always have a jar of aged napa cabbage kimchi left over, which we intentionally save to enjoy later. This aged kimchi, or ‘mukimchi’, develops a wonderful depth of flavor over time, making it perfect for stir-frying. When you combine this flavorful kimchi, sautéed in rich olive oil, with gently pan-fried tofu kissed by nutty sesame oil, you get a dish that’s simply thumb-stoppingly delicious!
Ingredients
- Tofu 300g (2 blocks)
- Aged Napa Cabbage Kimchi 1/4 head
- Olive Oil 12 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare 300g of tofu (2 blocks) and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Heat a pan over medium heat, add a generous amount of sesame oil, and pan-fry the tofu pieces until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. This step ensures a delightful contrast of textures: crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
Step 2
Get ready to use 1/4 head of well-fermented aged napa cabbage kimchi. This ‘mukimchi’, aged to perfection in the kimchi refrigerator, offers a deep, complex flavor ideal for stir-frying.
Step 3
Place the prepared kimchi into a deep pan or pot. Using kitchen scissors, cut the kimchi into manageable, bite-sized pieces. This helps the kimchi cook evenly and absorb the flavors.
Step 4
Add 12 tablespoons of olive oil to the cut kimchi. Coat the kimchi thoroughly with the olive oil. Don’t be shy with the olive oil; it helps keep the kimchi moist while stir-frying and infuses it with a wonderful aroma. A tip passed down from a neighbor, this generous amount of olive oil truly enhances the flavor.
Step 5
The kimchi will start to cook in its own juices and the added olive oil, creating a rich, saucy consistency. This process allows the kimchi’s natural tanginess to meld beautifully with the olive oil.
Step 6
Stir the kimchi occasionally as it cooks, allowing the excess liquid and oil to reduce, resulting in a glossy and flavorful stir-fried kimchi. Amazingly, the only seasonings used in this delicious dish are sesame oil and olive oil. Enjoy the pure, unadulterated flavors!
