Authentic Pork Kimchi Stew Recipe (Kimchi Jjigae) - Beyond Kimchee (2024)

posted by Holly Ford onJan 27, 2011 (updated May 1, 2023) 14 comments »

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Create the classic Korean Kimchi Stew with this authentic Kimchi Jjigae recipe. Made with fatty pork and well-fermented cabbage kimchi, this popular dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen!

Craving a bowl of warm, hearty, and slightly tangy kimchi stew, also known as kimchi jjigae?

This authentic Korean recipe, made with fatty pork and well-fermented cabbage kimchi, is a staple in both Korean households and restaurants.

Classic Korean Stew Made with Kimchi and Pork

Kimchi jjigae, a staple in Korean Korean home-cooked meals, often stirs a sense of nostalgia among Koreans. Its hearty warmth and savory notes make it a classic comfort food that’s enjoyed regularly.

This kimchi stew recipe presents a simple yet delicious way to utilize your leftover fermented kimchi. It embraces the traditional preparation that favors fatty cuts of pork like pork belly or shoulder, although you’ll find different meat or seafood in regional variations.

The essence of kimchi stew lies in its core ingredients – the sour leftover kimchi, pork, and tofu. These elements are not only easy to source but also bring an incredibly rich flavor to the stew.

Varieties of Kimchi Jjigae

This authentic Korean stew can be prepared in numerous ways, with pork kimchi stew being the most common. Discover some of the popular variations in Korean home cooking:

• Pork kimchi stew (dueji kimchi jjigae): The standard version using fatty pieces of pork and tofu.
• Tuna kimchi stew (chamchi kimchi jjigae): People typically prepare this tuna version for camping trips because it is easy and portable – the ingredients don’t require refrigeration.
• Mackerel pike kimchi stew (kkongchi kimchi jjigae): Made with canned mackerel pike.
• Spam kimchi Stew: Using a can of spam makes another delicious stew in no time.
• Anchovy kimchi stew (myulchi kimchi jjigae): People in the southern part of South Korea traditionally make a classic version of this dish using dried anchovies and perilla oil.
• Fish cake kimchi stew (eomuk kimchi jjigae): Using Korean fish cakes and anchovy stock makes a uniquely mild and savory stew. My cookbook, Korean Cooking Favorites, shares a recipe, so check it out.

Tips to Create the Best Kimchi Jjigae

To maximize the flavor depth and umami of your Kimchi Stew, follow these tips:

1. Use very old, sour cabbage kimchi – a great way to use up extra kimchi that’s been taking up space in the fridge.
2. The fattier the pork, the better it tastes. Fat builds the flavor. I recommend using pork belly or pork shoulder with a layer of fat attached.
3. Don’t skip the kimchi juice (or kimchi liquid). It has all the good taste in it and adds flavor and depth to the dish.
4. A hint of Korean salted shrimp deepens the flavor of broth.
5. Consider adding a few pieces of rice cakes to thicken the stew broth. However, this is optional.
6. Water vs anchovy stock as a soup base? Either one works. I found using plain water works better in pork kimchi stew, though. It maintains the natural flavor of pork better.

How to Make Authentic Pork Kimchi Stew (Kimchi Jjigae)

Step 1. Heat oil in a pot over medium high heat. Add pork belly slices and cook throughly. Add onion and garlic, and cook for 1 minute.

Step 2. Add Korean chili flakes and toss everything to coat.

Step 3. Add sliced kimchi, kimchi juice, water, and rice cakes (if using). Cover with a lid and bring to boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Step 4. Add salted shrimp snd Korean soup soy sauce and stir the stew. Taste the stew and season more with salt if needed.

Step 5. Add tofu slices and simmer for another 5 minutes. As a final step just before serving, garnish with green onion.

Perfect Pairings for Your Kimchi Stew

Serve your hot kimchi stew with rice and a few Korean side dishes. Try pairing it with:

• Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul)
• Dried Anchovy Side Dish (Two Recipes)
• Bean Sprout Side Dish (Kongnaul Muchim)
• Pan-Fried Potatoes (Gamja Bokkeum)

Storage and Reheating Tips

The flavor of kimchi stew intensifies over time and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply warm it in a microwave or on a stovetop until heated through.

If you enjoy Korean stews, check out these popular recipes:

• Soondubu Jjigae Recipe (Korean Soft Tofu Soup)
• Doenjang Jjigae (Korean Soybean Paste Stew)
• Army Stew (Budae Jjigae)
• Spicy Pork Stew with Zucchini
• Korean Chicken Stew (Dakdoritang)

originally published on Jan 27, 2011 (last updated May 1, 2023)

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