Spicy Pork and Potato Stew (Dwaeji Gukbap Style)
A Hearty and Flavorful Pork and Potato Stew, Simmered to Perfection with a Kick!
Craving a comforting, deeply flavorful stew that warms you from the inside out? This Korean Pork and Potato Stew, known as Dwaeji Gamja Jjigae, is an absolute delight! Packed with tender chunks of pork, fluffy potatoes, and savory tofu in a rich, spicy broth, it’s the perfect companion for a bowl of rice. We’ll guide you through each step to achieve a deliciously balanced flavor profile with a satisfying kick. Get ready to impress your family with this soul-warming dish!
Pork and Potato Stew Ingredients- Pork shoulder or butt 600g (about 1.3 lbs)
- Potatoes 3 medium
- Firm tofu 1 block
- Carrot 1/2 medium
- Scallions (Green onions) 2 stalks
- Green chili peppers 2
- Red chili peppers 2
Spicy Seasoning Mix- Korean soup soy sauce (Gukganjang) 3-4 Tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Coarse sea salt to taste
- Minced garlic 5 Tbsp
- Perilla oil (Deulgireum) 2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 2 Tbsp (adjust for spice level)
- Chicken bouillon powder or MSG 1/2 Tbsp (for umami boost)
- Korean soup soy sauce (Gukganjang) 3-4 Tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Coarse sea salt to taste
- Minced garlic 5 Tbsp
- Perilla oil (Deulgireum) 2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 2 Tbsp (adjust for spice level)
- Chicken bouillon powder or MSG 1/2 Tbsp (for umami boost)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all the vegetables by cutting them into generous, bite-sized pieces. Cut the potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Slice the onion into quarters. Cube the firm tofu into similar sizes. Chop the scallions diagonally and thinly slice the green and red chili peppers. Setting these aside will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of perilla oil in a large, deep pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the 600g of pork and 1-2 tablespoons of Korean soup soy sauce. Sauté the pork until it’s nicely browned and releases its delicious aroma. This step helps to build a foundational layer of flavor.
Step 3
Once the pork is browned, stir in 2 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). Continue to stir-fry the pork and chili flakes together for another 1-2 minutes. Toasting the chili flakes this way will release their vibrant color and enhance the savory depth of the stew’s broth.
Step 4
Pour in 6 cups (approximately 1.2 liters) of anchovy or kelp broth, or plain water. Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pork is about halfway cooked through. Skim off any impurities or foam that rises to the surface for a cleaner tasting broth.
Step 5
Begin adding the vegetables, starting with the firmest ones. Add the cubed potatoes to the simmering broth. Let them cook for a few minutes until they start to soften slightly. Then, stir in 1/2 tablespoon of chicken bouillon powder (or MSG) to enhance the umami and deepen the broth’s flavor profile.
Step 6
Once the potatoes are partially tender, add the quartered onions and cubed tofu. Allow the stew to simmer gently, uncovered, until the broth thickens slightly and the flavors meld beautifully. Avoid stirring too much at this stage to prevent the tofu from breaking apart. Let the ingredients absorb the delicious seasoning.
Step 7
When the broth has reduced and the tofu has absorbed some flavor, stir in a generous 5 tablespoons of minced garlic. Let it simmer for another minute to release its pungent aroma. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with more Korean soup soy sauce if needed. Finally, use coarse sea salt to perfect the overall saltiness.
Step 8
In the final moments of cooking, add the diagonally sliced scallions and the sliced green and red chili peppers. Bring the stew to a quick, rolling boil over high heat for just about 30 seconds before turning off the heat. This keeps the scallions and peppers fresh and vibrant.
Step 9
Serve this delightful Pork and Potato Stew piping hot, ladling generous portions of broth and all the hearty ingredients over a bowl of steamed rice. The balanced blend of savory pork, tender potatoes, and the subtly spicy, umami-rich broth makes this a truly satisfying and comforting meal. Enjoy this wholesome taste of Korean home cooking!
