Aged Kimchi Stew: Rich and Savory Deep Flavor
The Ultimate Aged Kimchi Stew Recipe: Deep and Savory Like Homemade Bean Paste!
Utilize your well-fermented kimchi, carefully prepared and aged in earthenware pots each year, to create a kimchi stew with a deep and rich flavor that is simply divine. The addition of rice water and perilla seed powder makes it even more savory and tender. This is a true rice-thief!
Main Ingredients- 1/8 head of well-aged kimchi
- 1 handful of anchovies for broth
- 1 cup rice water (approx. 200ml)
- 2 Korean green chili peppers (Cheongyang peppers)
- 2 tablespoons perilla seed powder
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- A little cooking oil
- A little sesame oil
- A little sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To remove any gamey smell, gently scrape out the tough inner core of the aged kimchi. Rinse it lightly under running cold water to wash off some of the seasoning. Be careful not to rinse too vigorously, as this can dilute the kimchi’s flavor.
Step 2
Squeeze the excess water out of the rinsed kimchi by hand. If it’s too watery, the stew might turn out bland.
Step 3
Lightly grease a heated pot or pan with cooking oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté over low heat until fragrant. Sautéing the garlic first helps to remove any unpleasant odors and enhances the overall flavor.
Step 4
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the aged kimchi, torn into bite-sized pieces, and stir-fry over medium heat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the kimchi softens. Then, add the anchovies for broth and stir-fry together. The anchovies will add umami and help neutralize any fishy smell.
Step 5
Pour 1 cup of rice water over the stir-fried kimchi and anchovies. Rice water is a secret ingredient that makes the kimchi stew extra tender and savory.
Step 6
Once the liquid comes to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in 2 tablespoons of perilla seed powder for a rich, nutty flavor. Make sure to dissolve the perilla seed powder thoroughly to avoid clumps.
Step 7
Add 2 Korean green chili peppers, thinly sliced diagonally, for a spicy kick. You can adjust the amount or omit them if you prefer less heat.
Step 8
Taste the kimchi stew and season with salt if needed. The saltiness of aged kimchi can vary, so it’s important to taste and adjust accordingly. Finally, drizzle with a little sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds to finish.
Step 9
Your glistening and appetizing aged kimchi stew is now ready! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice.
