Spicy and Rich Kimchi Jjigae: The Golden Recipe for Delicious Kimchi Stew
How to Make Delicious Kimchi Jjigae, A Rich and Flavorful Kimchi Stew Recipe #Doorimoon #KimchiJjigae #Stew #PorkKimchiJjigae #BeginnerRecipe
Learn how to easily make a deeply flavorful and spicy Kimchi Jjigae at home that rivals restaurant versions. The combination of well-fermented kimchi, tender pork, and savory tofu makes it an irresistible dish that perfectly complements rice!
Kimchi Jjigae Ingredients- 1 cup ripe kimchi (approx. 200g)
- 1 cup pork shoulder or belly (approx. 200g)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (or sweet rice powder)
- 1.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 stalk green onion
- 2 Korean green chilies (cheongyang peppers)
- 1 small onion
- 1 block firm tofu (400g)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start with the marinating process, which is key to the flavor of Kimchi Jjigae. In a bowl, add 1 cup of pork shoulder or belly. Then, add 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1.5 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, a pinch of black pepper, and 1 Tbsp sesame oil.
Step 2
Gently mix the pork with the marinade using your hands until well combined. Let it marinate for about 5 minutes. This step allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat, resulting in a deeper flavor.
Step 3
Now, prepare the vegetables and tofu that will add texture and flavor. Slice 1 green onion diagonally. Finely chop 2 Korean green chilies. Slice the small onion into strips or dice it. Cut the 1 block of tofu (400g) into generous chunks.
Step 4
Time to sauté. Heat a pot over low heat. Add the marinated pork and the sliced onion, and stir-fry briefly until the pork is lightly seared and the onion is softened, being careful not to burn it.
Step 5
As you sauté over low heat, you’ll see the ingredients develop a nice, subtle color. The onions should become translucent, and the pork’s exterior will look lightly cooked.
Step 6
Next, pour in the broth. Add enough anchovy-kelp broth or rice water to generously cover the ingredients. The amount of liquid should be enough to submerge the pork and kimchi.
Step 7
Once the broth is added, cover the pot and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Boiling vigorously at this stage helps to meld the flavors from all the ingredients into the broth.
Step 8
When the stew starts to boil vigorously, reduce the heat to medium. Continue to simmer until the pork is fully cooked. Simmering until the pork becomes tender is a crucial step for a delicious stew.
Step 9
Check if the pork is cooked through, then taste the broth and adjust the seasoning. If it’s not salty enough, add about 0.5 Tbsp more gochujang and stir well to enhance both the saltiness and the overall flavor. (Doorimoon added 0.5 Tbsp)
Step 10
Once the seasoning is correct and the pork is tender, carefully place the 1 block of tofu (400g) into one side of the pot.
Step 11
Gently ladle some of the kimchi jjigae broth over the tofu. This helps the tofu absorb the flavors and prevents it from breaking apart too easily.
Step 12
Cover the pot again and let it simmer gently over low heat for 10 minutes. This slow cooking process will make the tofu wonderfully soft and allow the rich umami from the pork to infuse the broth, making it deeper and more delicious.
Step 13
Finally, garnish with the sliced green onions and let it bubble for a moment. Your delicious Kimchi Jjigae is now ready! This stew is so good, you’ll easily eat two bowls of rice with it. Enjoy your meal!
