KIM-CHEESE TOTS

Kim-Cheese Tots image

Kimchi and cheese is one of my favorite flavor combinations! The spicy brininess of the kimchi with the melty gooey cheese is so satisfying and goes great in a grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and of course, on tots.

Provided by Molly Yeh

Categories side-dish

Time 55m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

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Ingredients

3 quarts neutral oil
One 2-pound bag frozen potato tots
Pinch of kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
3/4 cup (200 grams) kimchi from the jar, sliced or chopped, plus 1 tablespoon kimchi brine
1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded sharp Cheddar
6 tablespoons (90 grams) whole milk Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Juice from half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon), plus lemon wedges, for serving
Pickled Onions, recipe follows
Mayonnaise, such as Kewpie, for serving
Sliced scallions, for serving
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
7 1/2 teaspoons sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons mustard seed
1 small yellow or white onion, julienned

Steps:

Place an oven rack in the middle position. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Pour the neutral oil into a heavy-bottomed pot and bring to 375 degrees F over medium heat. Fry the tots in batches (for a whole bag, 2 to 3 batches) for 6 to 8 minutes each, or until the tots float around and are dark golden and crispy (let them crisp up a bit once they hit the oil before stirring so they don't fall apart). Be sure to bring the oil back to temperature before adding the next batch. Remove the tots onto a wire rack and cool slightly. Season with salt if needed (some brands of tots are saltier than others).
Transfer the tots to a flame-proof dish that you can also serve in; a 12-inch cast-iron skillet, a nice ceramic baking dish or anything that holds about 3 quarts will work. Evenly top the tots with the chopped kimchi and shredded Cheddar. Bake until the cheese is melted, the kimchi is hot and the edges start to brown, about 10 minutes.
While the tots bake, make the yogurt sauce: Combine the yogurt, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, lemon juice, kimchi brine and salt in a small or medium bowl. Whisk to combine and set aside. (The yogurt sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated; if it separates a little just give a quick stir.)
Turn on the broiler to the highest setting and broil until the cheese is brown and speckly and the edges of the kimchi are browned; start checking after about 3 minutes.
Top the tots with Pickled Onions, yogurt sauce, mayo and scallions. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seed and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil and let cook until the sugar and salt are dissolved, Remove from the heat and pour over the onions in a medium bowl. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve. (This can be done ahead of time and refrigerated.)