Kimchi Jjigae – 김치찌개 – Recipe.

Kimchi soup.
Kimchi Jjigae, a hearty Korean kimchi stew, is a flavorful and comforting dish that captures the essence of Korean home cooking. This stew features kimchi as the star ingredient, along with pork, tofu, and an aromatic blend of seasonings. Dive into the rich and spicy depths of Korean cuisine with this recipe for Kimchi Jjigae, a dish that warms the soul and satisfies the palate.

Estimated Time:

40-45 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups well-fermented Kimchi, chopped
200g Pork Belly or Pork Shoulder, thinly sliced
1 cup Firm Tofu, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 Onion, thinly sliced
2 Green Onions, chopped
3 Cloves Garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Gochugaru (Korean Red Chili Powder)
1 tablespoon Gochujang (Korean Red Chili Paste)
1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
4 cups Kimchi juice (from the kimchi jar)
4 cups Water or low-sodium broth
Salt and Pepper to taste
Optional: Enoki Mushrooms, sliced Shiitake Mushrooms, or other Vegetables of choice

Products you need in our store:

Kimchi
Firm Tofu
Gochugaru (Korean Red Chili Powder)
Gochujang (Korean Red Chili Paste)
Soy Sauce
Sesame Oil

Preparation:

  1. Sauté Pork and Vegetables:
    • In a large pot, sauté the thinly sliced pork until it begins to brown.
    • Add minced garlic, chopped onions, and green onions. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
  2. Add Kimchi and Seasonings:
    • Incorporate the chopped kimchi into the pot. Stir in gochugaru, gochujang, and soy sauce, ensuring even distribution of the seasonings.
  3. Pour Kimchi Juice and Water:
    • Pour in the kimchi juice from the kimchi jar and add water or low-sodium broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  4. Simmer and Develop Flavors:
    • Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the stew cook for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If desired, add mushrooms or other vegetables during this stage.
  5. Add Tofu and Sesame Oil:
    • Introduce the cubed tofu into the stew, simmering for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tofu is heated through.
    • Stir in sesame oil for a final touch of flavor.
  6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
    • Season the Kimchi Jjigae with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the spice level if necessary.
    • Serve the stew hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.

Benefits:

  1. Probiotic-Rich: Kimchi, the star ingredient, is a fermented food that promotes gut health by providing beneficial probiotics.
  2. High-Quality Protein: Pork adds a protein boost to the stew, contributing to muscle health and overall satiety.
  3. Vegetable Nutrients: The inclusion of vegetables like onions and optional mushrooms adds essential vitamins and minerals to the dish.
  4. Hydration: The combination of kimchi juice and water or broth provides a flavorful and hydrating base for the stew.