This Spicy Korean Stew Will Make Your Taste Buds DANCE!

Here's a simple and delicious Korean stew recipe for Kimchi Jjigae (김치찌개), one of the most popular Korean stews made with kimchi, tofu, and pork.

Ingredients:
1 cup of well-fermented kimchi (about 1-2 cups)

200g (7 oz) pork belly or pork shoulder, sliced thinly (you can substitute with beef or tofu for a vegetarian version)

1/2 medium onion, sliced

1/2 zucchini, sliced into half-moons (optional)

1 block of firm tofu, cut into cubes

2-3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste) – for a bit of heat

1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) – optional, for extra spice

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp sesame oil

4 cups water or broth (preferably beef or anchovy broth)

1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance the sourness of kimchi)

Green onions, chopped for garnish

1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:
Prepare the ingredients:

If using pork, slice it into thin strips.

Cut tofu into cubes and set aside.

Slice the onion, zucchini, and kimchi into bite-sized pieces if needed.

Sauté the pork and vegetables:

In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.

Add the sliced pork and cook until it's slightly browned, about 3-5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and sliced onions, and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Add kimchi and seasonings:

Add the kimchi to the pot and stir for 2-3 minutes. This helps to bring out the flavors of the kimchi.

Stir in the gochujang, gochugaru (if using), soy sauce, and sugar (if using). Mix everything together.

Add the liquid:

Pour in the water or broth, and bring everything to a boil.

Reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together.

Add tofu and zucchini:

Gently add the tofu cubes and zucchini slices to the pot. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the tofu has absorbed the flavors.

Taste and adjust:

Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding salt or more soy sauce to taste.

Serve:

Serve the kimchi jjigae hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Serving Suggestion:
Kimchi jjigae is traditionally served with steamed rice and banchan (Korean side dishes). You can enjoy it with a bowl of rice or even add an egg for extra richness!

Enjoy your delicious, spicy, and savory Korean stew! Let me know how it turns out! 😊

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