Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 4
Warm up with a bowl of Kimchi Jjigae, Korea’s beloved spicy and tangy stew made with aged kimchi, tofu, pork (or tuna), and a rich, umami-packed broth. 🍲✨ This dish is the definition of comfort food, with deep, fermented flavors and a perfect balance of heat, saltiness, and a touch of sweetness. Often served bubbling hot in an earthenware pot, Kimchi Jjigae is a staple in Korean households, perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a bold, satisfying meal.
Ingredients For Kimchi Jjigae
🔥 For the Stew Base:
☑ 2 cups aged kimchi (the older, the better!) 🌶️🥬
☑ 1 tablespoon🥄 gochujang (Korean red chili paste) 🌶️
☑ 1 teaspoon🥄 gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) 🔥
☑ 1 tablespoon🥄 soy sauce 🥢
☑ 1 teaspoon🥄 sesame oil
☑ 4 cups anchovy or beef broth (or water) 🍲
🔥 For the Proteins & Add-ins:
☑ 200g (7 oz) pork belly or pork shoulder (or canned tuna for a seafood version) 🍖🐟
☑ 1 block firm tofu, sliced into cubes 🥢
☑ 1 small onion, sliced 🧅
☑ 2 green onions, chopped 🌱
☑ ½ cup enoki or shiitake mushrooms 🍄
☑ 1 teaspoon🥄 sugar (optional, to balance acidity) 🍯
🔥 Optional Toppings:
☑ A soft-boiled or raw egg for extra richness 🍳
☑ Sliced red chili for extra heat 🌶️
☑ A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds 🌿
👩🍳 Cooking Steps For Kimchi Jjigae
🔥 Step 1: Sauté the Kimchi & Aromatics
1️⃣ Heat sesame oil in a pot over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add aged kimchi and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly caramelized.
3️⃣ Stir in gochujang, gochugaru, and soy sauce for extra depth.
🥩 Step 2: Cook the Pork or Tuna
1️⃣ Add sliced pork belly (or tuna) and cook for another 2 minutes until lightly browned.
2️⃣ If using tuna, simply stir it in at the end to avoid overcooking.
🍲 Step 3: Add the Broth & Simmer
1️⃣ Pour in the anchovy or beef broth, stirring well.
2️⃣ Let the stew simmer for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
🍄 Step 4: Add Tofu & Vegetables
1️⃣ Gently place tofu cubes, onions, and mushrooms into the stew.
2️⃣ Simmer for another 5 minutes until everything is tender.
🔥 Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
1️⃣ Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and optional red chili slices.
2️⃣ Serve bubbling hot with steamed rice and a side of Korean banchan (side dishes).
Bold, spicy, and full of fermented goodness—Kimchi Jjigae is Korea’s soul-warming dish that always hits the spot!🔥
🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Paiche a la Brasa – A Taste of Amazonian Heritage You Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.
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