Chef Kim Dae-seok’s Secret! Deep and Rich Aged Kimchi Stew Recipe
The Ultimate Aged Kimchi Stew Golden Recipe
Make a spectacularly delicious aged kimchi stew with Chef Kim Dae-seok’s special recipe, featuring the deep flavor and umami of well-fermented aged kimchi. It’s a true rice-thief!
Ingredients- Half head aged kimchi (approx. 820g)
- 1 handful dried anchovies
- 7 bowls water (using a rice bowl as measurement)
- 1 stalk green onion
- 2/3 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse half a head of aged kimchi thoroughly under running water. This is key to the kimchi stew. If the kimchi is too sour, you can soak it in cold water for about 10-20 minutes to slightly reduce the sourness. However, be careful not to soak it for too long, as this can wash away the deep flavors of the kimchi.
Step 2
Prepare the dried anchovies to add depth and umami to the stew. Remove the heads and guts from the anchovies. Microwave them for about 40 seconds to remove any fishy odor. (If using small anchovies, 10 seconds is sufficient.) Place the prepared anchovies in a bowl and add 7 rice bowls of water to start making the anchovy broth.
Step 3
Green onion adds a refreshing taste to the kimchi stew. Slice it diagonally into large pieces.
Step 4
Cut off the hard bottom part of the rinsed aged kimchi. Then, cut it into 3-4 pieces of a manageable size for eating. Cutting it this way helps the kimchi meld well with the seasoning and shortens the cooking time.
Step 5
Tear the wider leaves into bite-sized pieces by hand. Tearing provides a better texture and allows the seasoning to penetrate more effectively. Tip) It’s best if the aged kimchi retains some moisture when you tear it; this will result in a more succulent stew.
Step 6
Now, let’s begin the stir-frying process. Add all the prepared aged kimchi to a wide pot or pan.
Step 7
Add the seasonings to the aged kimchi. Mix 2 Tbsp cooking oil, 2/3 Tbsp sugar, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, and 2 Tbsp mirin with your hands, gently massaging the kimchi to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Tip) If your aged kimchi is less salty, you can add a little soy sauce or fish sauce at this stage to enhance the savory depth.
Step 8
Stir-fry the seasoned aged kimchi over high heat for about 5 minutes. This process helps to eliminate any strong smell from the kimchi and enhance its flavor.
Step 9
After 5 minutes, push the stir-fried kimchi to one side of the pan, creating a space in the center. Place the soaked dried anchovies in this space, and then cover the anchovies with the stir-fried kimchi. This layering allows the anchovy flavor to infuse subtly into the kimchi stew, making it even more delicious.
Step 10
Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. This step allows the anchovy flavor to permeate thoroughly into the kimchi.
Step 11
After 5 minutes, remove the lid. Add 1 Tbsp of perilla oil and the diagonally sliced green onion. The nutty aroma of perilla oil and the refreshing taste of green onion will further enhance the stew’s flavor.
Step 12
Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the top for an added nutty fragrance.
Step 13
Chef Kim Dae-seok’s secret recipe for deep and rich aged kimchi stew is now complete! Serve it over hot rice and enjoy this ultimate comfort food.
