Spicy and Rich Kimchi Jjigae: The Ultimate Recipe
How to Make Delicious Kimchi Stew That Will Make You Crave More
This Kimchi Jjigae is so incredibly flavorful, you’ll find yourself reaching for a second bowl of rice! It’s the perfect comforting stew with a deep, savory broth.
Main Ingredients- Pork (pork shoulder or front leg recommended) 200g
- Well-fermented Kimchi 1 head (approx. 500g)
- King Oyster Mushrooms 2
- Red or Green Chili Peppers 2 (adjust for spice level)
- Scallion 1/2 stalk
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The foundation of a delicious Kimchi Jjigae is rice water! Prepare about 4 cups (approx. 800ml) of the milky water you get after rinsing rice. This water adds a smooth and deep flavor to the stew.
Step 2
Cut the pork (200g) into bite-sized pieces. Place the pork in a pot and stir-fry over medium-high heat just until the outside is seared. A pinch of black pepper at this stage will help eliminate any gamey odors.
Step 3
Take out the insides of the well-fermented kimchi (1 head, about 500g) and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Add the chopped kimchi to the pot with the seared pork and stir-fry together. This step enhances the kimchi’s flavor.
Step 4
Pour all 4 cups of the prepared rice water into the pot with the stir-fried kimchi and pork. Bring it to a boil over high heat.
Step 5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic and 1-2 Tbsp of gochugaru. Adjust the amount of gochugaru based on the kimchi’s spiciness and color. Cover the pot and simmer for about 10 minutes to tenderize the kimchi and pork.
Step 6
Slice 2 chili peppers (or red chili peppers) diagonally. These will add a spicy kick. Use green chili peppers for a hotter taste or red chili peppers for a milder heat.
Step 7
Cut 2 king oyster mushrooms into thick slices, preserving their shape for a nice texture. Add the sliced chili peppers and mushrooms to the pot and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step 8
Finally, add the 1/2 stalk of sliced scallion and simmer for a short while longer. The sweetness from the scallions will further enrich the broth’s flavor.
Step 9
Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt or soy sauce if needed. A final pinch of black pepper will complete this delicious Kimchi Jjigae. Enjoy it piping hot with a bowl of rice!
