How to Make Authentic Kimchi Jjigae: Spicy Korean Kimchi Stew Recipe
How to Make Authentic Kimchi Jjigae: Spicy Korean Kimchi Stew Recipe
Kimchi Jjigae (김치찌개), or Korean kimchi stew, is a fiery, tangy, and comforting dish that captures the heart of Korean home cooking. It's one of the most beloved everyday meals in Korea — perfect for cold days, hangover cures, or whenever you're craving something spicy, rich, and satisfying.
Made with well-fermented kimchi, pork (or tuna or tofu), aromatics, and Korean pantry staples, this dish is simple yet incredibly flavorful. In this post, I’ll walk you through a classic pork kimchi jjigae recipe with tips to make it just like it’s served in Korean homes.
What Is Kimchi Jjigae?
Kimchi Jjigae (김치찌개) is a spicy stew made with aged kimchi, gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), tofu, and typically pork belly. It’s one of Korea’s most iconic and comforting dishes.
It’s often served boiling hot in a stone bowl, paired with rice and a few banchan (side dishes). The sourness of fermented kimchi, combined with the richness of pork and depth of gochujang and anchovy broth, creates a bold, unforgettable flavor.
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
- 1.5 cups aged napa kimchi (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 150g pork belly or shoulder (sliced)
- 1/2 onion (sliced)
- 1/2 block tofu (firm, sliced into squares)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or soup soy sauce)
- 2.5 cups anchovy or beef broth (or water with dashida stock powder)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
How to Make Kimchi Jjigae – Step-by-Step
1. Sauté the Pork and Kimchi
- In a pot, heat sesame oil (optional) over medium heat.
- Add the pork and stir-fry until it begins to brown.
- Add chopped kimchi and cook for 3–4 minutes to release its flavor.
2. Add Broth and Seasonings
- Pour in the broth or water.
- Add gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic.
- Stir well and bring to a boil.
3. Simmer
- Lower heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, uncovered.
- Add onion and tofu, simmer for another 5–10 minutes until soft.
4. Finish and Serve
- Taste and adjust salt or soy sauce.
- Add chopped green onions before turning off heat.
- Serve boiling hot with steamed white rice.
Tips for the Best Kimchi Jjigae
- Use very ripe kimchi: The sourness is key to authentic flavor.
- Fatty pork works best: Pork belly gives richness and umami.
- Add canned tuna or spam for variation.
- Stone pot = better heat retention: Keeps stew bubbling hot longer.
Health Benefits of Kimchi Jjigae
- High in probiotics from fermented kimchi
- Rich in protein and collagen (especially with pork belly)
- Low in sugar, naturally spicy, and satisfying
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a bold, spicy Korean dish that’s easy to prepare and deeply comforting, kimchi jjigae is the answer. Whether you're enjoying it solo on a rainy day or sharing with friends and family, this stew is Korean soul food at its finest.
Give this authentic kimchi jjigae recipe a try — and don’t forget the rice!
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