Soft and Healthy Kongbiji Jjigae (Korean Soybean Paste Stew)
Nutrient-Rich! The Essence of Home Cooking, Tender Kongbiji Jjigae
As the fermented kimchi starts to ripen and become deliciously tangy, it’s the perfect time to make Kongbiji Jjigae! This recipe brings together the creamy texture of fresh soybean grounds with the savory depth of aged kimchi, creating a healthy and incredibly satisfying stew that’s perfect with a bowl of rice.
Main Ingredients- Kongbiji (ground soybeans) 300g (store-bought or homemade)
- Pork (neck or belly) 200g
- Well-fermented Napa Cabbage Kimchi 300g
- Green Onion 1/2 stalk
Seasoning- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 1 tsp
- Korean Soy Sauce (Gukganjang) 1 Tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Black Pepper to taste
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 1 tsp
- Korean Soy Sauce (Gukganjang) 1 Tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Black Pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, finely chop the well-fermented Napa cabbage kimchi. Slice the pork into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the chopped kimchi, sliced pork, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp sugar, 1 Tbsp Korean soy sauce, and a pinch of black pepper. Gently mix them together. Adding a little sugar helps to balance the sourness of the kimchi and enhances its umami flavor.
Step 2
Marinate the kimchi and pork mixture for about 5 minutes, ensuring they are well combined. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3
Heat a pot over medium-low heat. Add the marinated kimchi and pork and sauté until the pork is nicely browned and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Step 4
Once the pork is fully cooked, pour in 200ml (about 1 cup) of water and bring to a boil. As the water begins to boil, add the Kongbiji. Break up any clumps as you add it to ensure it distributes evenly.
Step 5
Spread the Kongbiji evenly across the bottom of the pot. Cover with a lid and let it simmer gently over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes. This steaming process helps to make the Kongbiji extra soft and cook out any raw soybean flavor.
Step 6
While the stew is simmering, thinly slice the green onion. After 3 to 5 minutes, uncover the pot and add the sliced green onion as desired. The fresh aroma of the green onion will further enhance the stew’s overall flavor profile.
Step 7
Finally, stir everything together and let it simmer for another moment. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning. If it’s too bland, add more Korean soy sauce. If it’s too salty, add a little more water. I prefer a slightly thicker consistency, so I used less water, but feel free to adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired thickness. Enjoy this hearty and healthy stew with a warm bowl of rice!
