Authentic Korean Cooking | Kimchi Jjigae Recipe
Kimchi Stew tips you need to know, plus an instant option!
Korean Kimchi Stew, called Kimchi Jjigae (김치찌개) is a famous and well loved part of Korean cuisine.
If you haven't tried it, I'm sure you've heard of it.
Today let's learn some tips for preparing authentic and delicious kimchi jjigae!
How To Make Kimchi Jjigae
Ingredients
Kimchi (amount depends on preference)
1/2 cup kimchi brine (if you have some)
100-150g pork belly
Tofu
1-3 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tsp minced garlic
Green onion
Cooking oil, salt/soy sauce, green chili peppers
Tips
More aged kimchi makes for better jjigae. Kimchi accounts for 80% of the flavor, so the kimchi used is very important.
It is traditional to use pork belly, but you can substitute different meats or omit it depending on your preferences and dietary restrictions.
You can use the water from rinsing your rice to increase flavor of the soup and make it more delicious.
You can also use pork or fish broth instead of water.
Directions
Start by chopping the kimchi and tofu into bite-sized pieces, dice the onions, and slice the green peppers on a diagonal.
Add the oil, kimchi, meat, chili flakes, and garlic to a pot and stir to combine.
When the kimchi is tender and the meat is cooked, add broth or water (about 2 cups) and, if you have it, the kimchi brine.
Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium for 5 minutes.
Reduce to low heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
After it has simmered, add the green onions, tofu, and peppers.
Let the tofu cook and absorb the flavor for a bit and then it's ready to serve!
Just a few steps and you've got delicious and satisfying kimchi jjigae!
It's super simple and is perfect if you want home cooked flavor, but don't have a lot of time to spend cooking.
Instant Kimchi Jjigae
1. Tuna Kimchi Jjigae
Name: Dongwon Yangban Whole Tuna Kimchi Jjigae (동원 양반 통참치 김치찌게)
Price: 3,980 won
Servings: 1-2
Dongwon Tuna Kimchi Stew has been around since 1992 and can be found at most supermarkets in Korea.
Just heat, either in the microwave or on the stove, and eat!
2. Pork Kimchi Jjigae
Name: Bibigo Pork Kimchi Jjigae (비비고 돼지고기 김치찌개)
Price: 5,980 won
Servings: 1-2
Pork Kimchi Jjigae, also ready to go in just a few minutes. Heat in the microwave or on the stove and enjoy.
It's very convenient and this brand often has buy 2 get 1 free promotions!
3. Tofu Kimchi Jjigae
Name: Yorihada Kimchi Jjigae (요리하다 김치찌개)
Price: 2,980 won
Servings: 1-2
Yorihada Kimchi Jjigae is a bit cheaper than other options because it doesn't contain any meat or fish.
This one is also super easy, just heat it up and it's ready.
4. Jongajib Beef Bone Kimchi Jjigae
Name: Jongajib Home-Cooked Beef Bone Kimchi Jjigae (종가집 일상가정식 사골김치찌개)
Price: 4,580 won
Servings: 1-2
Jonga's instant kimchi jjigae is made with beef bone broth, so it has a different taste from your standard kimchi jjigae.
This hearty instant meal is a great value for the price!
If you try making kimchi jjigae, be sure to let us know! Comment below or tag us on social media so we can see!
And if you want to try instant foods and aren't in Korea, you browse Creatrip's proxy shopping store!