Kimchi jjigae is a spicy Korean stew made with kimchi, tofu, and various veggies that’s perfect for a hearty, warming meal.
Ready for a soul-warming Korean delight just for you? Get ready to dive into the savory, spicy, and umami-packed world of kimchi jjigae! Here, you’ll find every detail to craft a bowl that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Buckle up, solo chef! This fiery comfort food is calling your name.
Kimchi Jjigae
Kimchi Jjigae is a comforting Korean stew that’s spicy, hearty, and full of vibrant flavors. It keeps you warm on chilly nights and gives your taste buds a roller coaster ride. Perfect for those who love an umami kick. Let’s dive into creating this fiery delight!
- Cooking method: Simmering
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine type: Korean
Ingredients
- 1 cup aged kimchi, chopped
- 1/4 cup kimchi juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 100g pork belly, sliced thinly
- 1/4 block tofu, diced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- A dash of sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
- Grab a pot and heat it over medium flame. Splash in some sesame oil for that nutty aroma. Ah, smells good already!
- Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds. Don’t burn it, unless you like the flavor of regret.
- Add the pork belly slices and cook until they’re no longer pink. Healthy or crispy? Your call!
- Throw in the chopped kimchi and stir for about 2 minutes. Spread the kimchi love!
- Pour in the kimchi juice and water. It’s starting to look like a soup now – magic!
- Add the soy sauce, gochugaru, and sugar. Give it a good stir, like you mean it.
- Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it bubble away for 15 minutes.
- Introduce the tofu and onion to the party. Simmer for another 5 minutes until tofu is heated through.
- Top off with the chopped green onion. Simmer for an additional minute.
- Serve piping hot and enjoy the fiery goodness. Watch out for that first lava-like spoonful!
Suggestions
- If pork isn’t your thing, swap it out for chicken or mushrooms for a veggie twist.
- For garnish, consider a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra sesame oil.
- Make it a cheesy adventure by adding a slice of gooey mozzarella on top. Melty magic!
- Need an extra kick? Add a spoonful of gochujang (Korean red chili paste) for more heat.
