Korean Tofu with Stir-fried Kimchi

Korean Tofu with Stir-fried Kimchi

Quick answer

Total time
22 min
Level
Easy
Servings
2 servings
Ingredients
9

About this dish

Tofu is blanched in salted water for 3 minutes and cut into thick slabs, and sour aged kimchi is stir-fried with pork shoulder and onion to go alongside.

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The blanching firms the tofu's surface so the thick slices are easy to pick up, and a spoonful of the hot kimchi on top seasons the outside. When it is served with soju or makgeolli, the tofu and the stir-fry go on separate plates.

Ingredients

servings

Instructions

6 steps
  1. 1

    Cut 300g firm tofu into thick slices, then blanch it in boiling salted water for about 3 minutes.

    Drain gently and let the surface dry so the tofu firms up without becoming fragile.

  2. 2

    Warm a pan over medium heat and spread 1 tablespoon cooking oil in a thin layer.

    Add 120g pork shoulder and stir-fry until the outside changes color and begins to release its fat.

  3. 3

    Add 60g sliced onion and cook for about 1 minute to bring out its sweetness.

    Keep the heat at medium rather than high so the pork stays moist and the onion does not scorch.

  4. 4

    Add 220g aged kimchi, 1 tablespoon gochugaru, and 1 teaspoon sugar.

    Stir-fry over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the kimchi softens, looks slightly translucent, and the sourness becomes rounded.

  5. 5

    Add 20g diagonally sliced green onion and toss for only about 30 seconds.

    Turn off the heat before drizzling in 1 teaspoon sesame oil, so its nutty aroma stays fresh.

  6. 6

    Arrange the warm tofu on a plate and spoon the hot kimchi stir-fry beside or over it.

    Add some topping directly onto the tofu so the surface absorbs the seasoning before serving.

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Tips

Over-boiling tofu can make it fragile.
Cook the aged kimchi over medium heat until its moisture decreases and the edges turn translucent so the measured 1 teaspoon of sugar balances the acidity evenly.
Edited by Charim Team