Kimchi Jjigae

4/1/2025

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes

Description

Traditional Kimchi Jjigae is a hearty and fiery Korean stew made using old kimchi. It’s a warm, fulfilling soup that’s customizable to taste, acting as a comfort food especially during cold weather.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of old Kimchi (well-fermented)
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• 3 cloves of finely chopped garlic
• 1/2 of a medium onion sliced
• 1/2 cup of sliced pork belly
• 1 tablespoon of Gochujang, Korean red pepper paste
• 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
• 2 cups of water
• 4 ounces of tofu, sliced into rectangles
• 2 green onions, chopped

Optional Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Gochugaru, Korean red pepper flakes (This further enhances the heat in the soup)
• 1/2 cup of sliced shitake mushrooms (For a meaty, earthy flavor)
• Diced green or red chilies (To increase the heat and add a fresh element)

Estimated Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes

Instructions

1. Add sesame oil into a pot on medium heat.
2. Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the pork belly and cook until browned, around 5 minutes.
4. Add the kimchi and sauté until fragrant, around 3 minutes.
5. Make a little space in the pot and add the Gochujang, stirring until it is combined with the oil. Mix it well with the rest.
6. Add sugar, then stir to mix.
7. Pour in the water and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.
8. Add the tofu and optional ingredients (if desired) into the pot and let it cook for another 5 minutes.
9. Top off with chopped green onions as garnish just before serving.

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