Ingredients
Main
500 g firm tofu (7 ounces)
2 cups well-fermented kimchi (2–3 weeks old), thinly sliced
10 g green onion, finely chopped
1 tsp raw sugar
1 Tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking oil (such as rice bran or vegetable oil)
Water (for boiling tofu)
Meat and Marinade (Optional but Traditional)
200 g pork belly, pork shoulder, or beef (3.5 ounces), thinly sliced
1 Tbsp Korean chili flakes (gochugaru), adjust to taste
1 Tbsp rice wine (mirin)
2 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp minced garlic
A pinch of ground black pepper
(1 Tbsp = 15 ml | 1 Cup = 250 ml)
Instructions
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Cook the Meat and Kimchi
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Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of oil.
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Add the marinated meat and stir-fry until about 70% cooked (3–5 minutes).
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Add the kimchi and sugar, then stir-fry until the kimchi softens and turns glossy (3–5 minutes).
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Finish by adding sesame oil, sesame seeds, and green onions. Stir briefly and remove from heat.
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Boil the Tofu
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While cooking the kimchi, bring a pot of water to a boil.
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Add tofu and cook gently for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
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Drain and cut into squares (about 2 inches each). Be cautious of steam and heat.
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(Tip: Wrap tofu in a clean cheesecloth before boiling—it keeps the shape intact and easy to handle.)
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Serve and Enjoy
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Arrange sliced tofu on one side of a serving plate and spoon the hot kimchi-pork mix on the other.
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Garnish with extra sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil if desired.
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Serve warm with steamed rice or as a snack alongside Soju or Makgeolli.
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Notes
- Make it vegetarian: Simply skip the meat and sauté kimchi with extra tofu or mushrooms.
- Spice level: Adjust chili flakes or use milder kimchi for a softer flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on a pan or in the microwave before serving.
- Texture tip: Use firm tofu to prevent it from breaking apart during boiling.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min