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Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew) Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

Kimchi Jjigae, or Kimchi Stew, is a hearty and flavorful Korean dish featuring fermented kimchi, tender pork belly, tofu, and a savory spicy broth. This comforting stew is perfect for warming up and enjoying with steamed rice.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • ½ small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 oz pork belly, thinly sliced
  • 2 shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup kimchi, chopped
  • ½ container (8 oz) firm tofu, sliced
  • 2 green onions, minced for garnish

Jjigae Soup Base

  • 2 ½ cups anchovy broth or chicken stock (more to taste)
  • ¼ cup kimchi brine
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Gochugaru Korean red chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon gochujang Korean hot pepper paste
  • 1 tablespoon soup soy sauce
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Cook aromatics and pork: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat in a small pot. Add yellow onion and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add pork belly, kimchi, and shiitake mushrooms, and cook until the pork is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add soup base and simmer: Pour in anchovy broth, kimchi brine, brown sugar, gochugaru, gochujang, and soy sauce. Bring the stew to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce heat to low or medium-low for a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 12 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Finish the stew and serve: Add sesame oil, tofu slices, and green onions into the pot. Continue simmering gently for another 7 minutes until tofu is heated through. Season with salt to taste. Garnish with additional green onions and serve immediately, ideally with steamed rice.

Notes

  • Use anchovy broth for traditional flavor; chicken stock is a good substitute if unavailable.
  • If you prefer less spicy stew, reduce the amount of gochugaru and gochujang.
  • Firm tofu holds up best in the stew without breaking apart.
  • Adjust the salt at the end since soy sauce and kimchi brine can be salty.
  • Serve with steamed white rice for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://mealsbykate.com/kimchi-jjigae-kimchi-stew-recipe/