Spicy and Flavorful Pork Kimchi Stew
The Quintessential Korean Comfort Food: Rich Pork Kimchi Stew Recipe (+ My Secret Tips!)
A beloved classic for Koreans, Kimchi Jjigae! Today, we’re making a simple yet incredibly delicious stew brimming with tender pork. Enjoy this hearty and comforting dish!
Spicy Pork Kimchi Stew Ingredients
- 1/2 head of well-fermented Napa Cabbage Kimchi (generous amount)
- 1/2 block of Tofu (for a soft texture)
- 200g Pork Shoulder (ideal for stew)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic (boosts flavor!)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes; adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil (enhances kimchi flavor)
- 1 tsp Saeujeot (fermented salted shrimp; for umami)
- 1/2 stalk Scallion (chopped)
- 1 tsp Sugar (balances the kimchi’s sourness)
- Pinch of Black Pepper (for a fragrant finish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all the ingredients for your Kimchi Jjigae. Chop the well-fermented kimchi into bite-sized pieces. Slice the tofu into approximately 1.5cm thick pieces. Rinse and pat dry the 200g of pork shoulder. Have your 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp perilla oil, 1 tsp saeujeot, chopped scallion, 1 tsp sugar, and a pinch of black pepper ready to make cooking smoother.
Step 2
In a deep pot, heat 1 Tbsp of perilla oil over medium heat. Add the prepared kimchi and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent and tender. Stir-frying the kimchi until fragrant is key; it mellows the sourness and deepens the flavor.
Step 3
Once the kimchi is nicely sautéed, add the pork shoulder to the pot. Continue to stir-fry with the kimchi for about 2-3 minutes, until the pork changes color. This step helps to lock in the juices, ensuring the pork remains tender and succulent.
Step 4
Now it’s time to add the liquid for the stew. Pour in about 500-600ml of rice water, anchovy-kelp broth, or plain water. Once the liquid comes to a boil, stir in 2 Tbsp of gochugaru. Boiling everything together at this stage will create a richer, spicier broth.
Step 5
When the stew is bubbling vigorously, add the sliced tofu and chopped scallions. Let it simmer for about 5 more minutes, allowing the tofu to soften and the scallion’s aroma to infuse the broth. Your delicious and hearty Pork Kimchi Stew is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve hot with a bowl of rice for a truly comforting meal.
