Hearty Kimchi Stew with Caramelized Onions
Easy Rice Cooker Onion Kimchi Stew Recipe
Whip up a delicious and deeply flavorful kimchi stew using fermented onion kimchi! This recipe leverages the convenience of a rice cooker to bring out the rich, savory notes of pork and the unique tangy-sweetness of onion kimchi. Perfect for a comforting meal, this stew is packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make. Enjoy a hearty bowl that’s sure to satisfy!
Main Ingredients- Pork (neck or belly recommended) 140g
- Well-fermented Onion Kimchi 140g
- Water 250ml (approx. 1 standard mug)
- Chopped Green Onions 2 handfuls
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Slice the 140g of pork into your desired thickness. I prefer about 1cm thick pieces for a satisfying bite, but thinner slices work too. Using cuts with some fat, like pork neck or belly, will add significantly more depth of flavor to your stew.
Step 2
Place the sliced pork into your rice cooker pot. Add 1/3 Tbsp of salted shrimp (Saewoojeot) and 250ml of water. Salted shrimp is key for tenderizing the meat and adding a crucial umami boost. (If you don’t have salted shrimp, you can substitute with more soy sauce or salt to taste. For a recipe on how to make your own salted shrimp, visit: https://www.10000recipe.com/link.html?seq=6906129&medium=copy&source=share). Select the ‘Reheat’ or ‘Stew’ function on your rice cooker and cook for 9 minutes.
Step 3
The secret to a great kimchi stew is well-fermented kimchi! Prepare 140g of ripe, slightly sour onion kimchi (about two handfuls). Onion kimchi adds a unique sweet and pungent dimension that elevates the stew beyond a typical kimchi jjigae. (If you don’t have onion kimchi, well-fermented regular napa cabbage kimchi can be used as a substitute. Find a recipe for delicious onion kimchi here: https://www.10000recipe.com/link.html?seq=6941723&medium=send&source=share).
Step 4
This is what the pork looks like after the initial simmering. The rendered fat from the pork is essential for creating a rich and savory broth, so using fattier cuts is highly recommended.
Step 5
Now, it’s time to add the star ingredient: the onion kimchi! Add the 140g of onion kimchi, 1 tsp of garlic powder (or 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic), 0.5 tsp of red pepper powder, and 0.5 Tbsp of Korean soup soy sauce to the rice cooker pot. Stir everything together to combine. Then, select the ‘Reheat’ or ‘Stew’ function again and cook for another 9 minutes. This step allows the flavors of the kimchi and pork to meld beautifully.
Step 6
The stew is delicious as is, but if you prefer a thicker, more concentrated broth, you can run the ‘Reheat’ or ‘Stew’ function for an additional 9 minutes. Simmering for longer will deepen the flavors further.
Step 7
Your kimchi stew is almost ready! Finally, add 2 handfuls of chopped green onions and give it a gentle stir. The fresh aroma of the green onions will enhance the overall flavor profile.
Step 8
Ladle the finished kimchi stew into a serving bowl. If the color appears a bit light, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper powder on top. This not only makes the stew look more appealing but also adds an extra layer of subtle spice and flavor. Serve hot with a bowl of steamed rice and enjoy!
