Spicy & Rich Aged Kimchi Stew (Muk-eunji Kimchi Jjigae)
The Ultimate Aged Kimchi Stew Recipe That Everyone Loves!
A truly satisfying kimchi stew that pairs perfectly with rice! Made with well-fermented aged kimchi, this stew boasts a deep, rich, and spicy flavor. Make a special stew tonight that will earn you compliments from your family.
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole aged kimchi (cut into 2-3 portions)
- 1 handful of dried anchovies (gutted)
- 2-3 potatoes (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3 whole garlic cloves (peeled)
Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the well-fermented aged kimchi and cut it into roughly 2-3 manageable portions. Place the cut kimchi into a pot first. If the kimchi is very sour, you can rinse it lightly under water before using.
Step 2
Lightly rinse the dried anchovies under running water, then carefully remove their heads and guts. Add the prepared anchovies to the pot with the kimchi. The anchovy broth will add a deep umami flavor.
Step 3
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over the kimchi and anchovies. The nutty aroma of the sesame oil will meld with the kimchi, creating a more flavorful stew.
Step 4
Pour in about 2 ladles of kimchi juice and enough water to fill the pot about 2/3 of the way. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat with the lid off.
Step 5
Once the stew starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer further. If the liquid reduces to about 2/3 of the pot’s height, add more water and continue to simmer until the kimchi becomes tender. This process allows the deep flavor of the kimchi to infuse into the broth.
Step 6
When the kimchi has softened nicely, add the potatoes cut into bite-sized pieces and the whole garlic cloves to the pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 7
Simmer over medium-low heat until the potatoes and garlic are fully cooked and the kimchi is as soft as if it were stewed for a long time. Tender kimchi is key to the overall deliciousness of the stew.
Step 8
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and simmer for a total of about 20 minutes. Your flavorful aged kimchi stew is ready, with its deep kimchi taste, tender potatoes, and spicy broth! Enjoy it with a hot bowl of rice!
