Pork Rib Kimchi Stew (Baek Jong-won Style)
Authentic Baek Jong-won’s Recipe for Hearty Pork Rib Kimchi Stew
Indulge in this rich and spicy pork rib kimchi stew, perfect as a side dish for rice or an accompaniment to drinks! The addition of pork ribs makes it exceptionally tender and flavorful.
Main Ingredients
- Kimchi (well-fermented)
- Pork ribs (for stewing)
- 1 Onion
- 1 Green onion
Broth and Aromatics
- 2 Bay leaves
- A pinch of whole peppercorns
- 2 Bay leaves
- A pinch of whole peppercorns
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To remove any gaminess from the pork ribs and ensure tenderness, place them in a pot with 2 bay leaves and a pinch of whole peppercorns. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Simmering them this way effectively tenderizes the meat and removes unwanted odors.
Step 2
After simmering, quickly rinse the pork ribs under cold running water to wash away any impurities. This ‘cold friction’ rinsing helps to maintain a clean flavor profile for the meat.
Step 3
Return the rinsed pork ribs to the pot. Dissolve 1/2 tablespoon of doenjang (soybean paste) in a little water and add it to the pot. Simmering with doenjang further enhances the pork’s flavor and neutralizes any remaining gamey notes.
Step 4
Once the pork ribs have cooked sufficiently and the broth has become flavorful, add the well-fermented kimchi, cut into bite-sized pieces. The sourness of the kimchi and the richness of the pork ribs will create a delicious base for the stew.
Step 5
Let the kimchi and ribs simmer together. Then, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, a roughly chopped onion, and 2 tablespoons of gochugaru (red pepper flakes). Continue to simmer until the pork ribs are completely tender. Once you’re satisfied with the tenderness of the meat, season the stew with 1 tablespoon of saeujeot (fermented shrimp, including some of its brine) and 1 tablespoon of guk-ganjang (soup soy sauce) or fish sauce. Saeujeot adds a deep umami flavor, while guk-ganjang provides a clean taste.
Step 6
Finally, add a sliced green onion and simmer for a final moment. Your hearty and spicy pork rib kimchi stew is now ready! Enjoy it with a hot bowl of rice.
