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Cozy Kimchi Jjigae Stew Recipe Easy 5-Step Comforting Spicy Flavor

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A quick and easy Korean kimchi jjigae stew that combines spicy fermented kimchi with tofu and pork in a savory broth, perfect for comforting meals on chilly days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups well-fermented and chopped kimchi
  • 6 ounces pork belly or shoulder, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 block (14 ounces) firm or medium-firm tofu, cut into cubes
  • 1 small onion, sliced thin
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 4 cups (950 ml) vegetable or anchovy broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 stalks green onions, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Slice the pork thinly, chop the kimchi, slice the onion, and cube the tofu. Mince your garlic and chop the green onions. This should take about 10 minutes.
  2. Sauté aromatics and pork: Heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in your pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, cooking until fragrant and softened—about 2-3 minutes. Toss in the pork slices and cook until they turn light brown, roughly 4-5 minutes.
  3. Add kimchi and seasoning: Stir in the chopped kimchi, gochugaru, and gochujang. Cook for another 3 minutes, letting the kimchi release its tangy aroma and the spices bloom.
  4. Pour in broth and simmer: Pour in 4 cups (950 ml) of broth, soy sauce, and sugar. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes.
  5. Add tofu and finish: Gently add tofu cubes to the pot, simmering for another 5 minutes without stirring too much. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions on top.

Notes

Choose well-fermented kimchi for best flavor. Do not over-stir after adding tofu to keep it intact. Adjust spice levels by varying gochugaru and gochujang amounts. Simmer slowly to develop flavors and tenderize pork. Leftovers taste better the next day. Remove tofu before freezing to preserve texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: kimchi jjigae, kimchi stew, Korean stew, spicy stew, tofu stew, comfort food, easy Korean recipe