Family Favorite! Tender Pork and Kimchi Stew Recipe
The Ultimate Pork and Kimchi Stew Recipe: A True Rice Thief!
This is a delicious pork and kimchi stew recipe that even picky eaters will devour with a bowl of rice! The perfect harmony of well-fermented kimchi and tender pork will make a bowl of rice disappear in no time. We’re revealing the secret to its simple yet profound flavor!
Main Ingredients- 1kg pork shoulder, cut into stew-sized pieces (suitable for stewing)
- 1/3 head of ripe aged kimchi (well-fermented)
- 1.5 medium onions
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Cut the pork shoulder, meant for boiling, into approximately 5cm chunks for easy eating. Avoid cutting them too thin, as they might break apart during cooking. Aim for a moderate thickness.
Step 2
Peel the outer skin of the onions and rinse them thoroughly under running water. Then, slice them into pieces about 1cm to 1.5cm thick. It’s best to slice them not too thinly so they maintain their shape. This helps them stay intact during cooking and adds a pleasant texture.
Step 3
Lay the sliced onions on the bottom of your pot, ensuring they don’t overlap. The onions act as a protective layer, preventing the kimchi and pork from sticking to the bottom as they cook, and they also help to eliminate any gamey odor from the pork.
Step 4
Arrange the cut pork shoulder pieces evenly over the layer of onions in the pot. Make sure the pork pieces are not overlapping. This even distribution ensures the pork cooks uniformly and absorbs the flavors thoroughly.
Step 5
Trim the very tip of the ripe aged kimchi and then place the whole piece of kimchi on top of the pork, without separating the leaves. Covering the pork with the kimchi leaves will help keep it moist as it cooks.
Step 6
Carefully pour 1/2 cup (about 100ml) of water into the pot, along the edges. Adding too much liquid can dilute the rich flavor of the stew, so use a moderate amount.
Step 7
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of plum extract evenly over the kimchi. Plum extract helps to mellow the sourness of the kimchi and adds a subtle sweetness. If using sugar as a substitute, adjust the amount according to your preference for sweetness.
Step 8
Add 2 tablespoons of tuna extract in the same manner over the kimchi. Tuna extract enhances the umami flavor, elevating the overall taste of the kimchi stew. If you don’t have tuna extract, fish sauce or soy sauce can be used as alternatives.
Step 9
Cover the pot with a lid and set the stove to medium heat to begin cooking. Start with medium heat to ensure the ingredients begin to cook properly.
Step 10
Once the kimchi stew starts to boil vigorously, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 45 minutes. During this time, the kimchi and pork will become tender, and a delicious broth will develop.
Step 11
After 45 minutes, lift the lid. You’ll see the ingredients cooked beautifully in a rich, flavorful broth. Check to ensure the pork is tender and cooked through, and assess the consistency of the broth.
Step 12
Cut the well-cooked pork and kimchi stew into bite-sized pieces and serve them attractively on a plate. Enjoy this hearty dish with a warm bowl of rice for a satisfying meal. Feel free to add chopped green onions or chili peppers for extra flavor if desired.