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Spicy Korean Kimchi Jjigae with Tofu

Name: Spicy Korean Kimchi Jjigae with Tofu
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Well-aged kimchi, 2 cups, chopped; Gochugaru, 1 tablespoon; Gochujang, 1 tablespoon; Water or vegetable broth, 4 cups; Firm tofu, 14 oz package, drained and cut into cubes; Pork belly, 1/2 pound, sliced thinly; Soy sauce, 2 tablespoons; Fish sauce, 1 tablespoon; Sesame oil, 1 tablespoon; Green onions, 2 stalks, sliced; Toasted sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon

This traditional Korean dish, Kimchi Jjigae, combines the tangy and spicy flavors of aged kimchi with the smooth, creamy texture of tofu for a delicious and hearty stew.

5(608 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·July 3, 2025

Spicy Korean Kimchi Jjigae with Tofu — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Stew Base

For the Proteins

For Seasoning

For Garnishing

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 341 kcal
Protein: 20.13 g
Carbs: 9.5 g
Fat: 27.38 g
Fiber: 2.63 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1365 kcal
Protein: 80.5 g
Carbs: 38 g
Fat: 109.5 g
Fiber: 10.5 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Well-aged kimchi 2 cups, chopped	40	2	8	0.5	4
Gochugaru 1 tablespoon	15	0.5	4	0	1
Gochujang 1 tablespoon	35	1	8	0.5	0.5
Water or vegetable broth 4 cups	15	1	3	0	0
Firm tofu 14 oz package, drained and cut into cubes	350	35	10	20	3
Pork belly 1/2 pound, sliced thinly	700	35	0	70	0
Soy sauce 2 tablespoons	20	2	1	0	0
Fish sauce 1 tablespoon	10	2	0	0	0
Sesame oil 1 tablespoon	120	0	0	14	0
Green onions 2 stalks, sliced	10	0.5	2	0	1
Toasted sesame seeds 1 tablespoon	50	1.5	2	4.5	1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Pork Belly

1
Mix marinade
Mix the pork belly slices with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil.
2
Refrigerate
Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
3
Prep other ingredients
Prepare other ingredients while it marinates.

Preparing the Broth and Tofu

1
Combine base ingredients
In a large pot, combine the chopped kimchi, gochugaru, gochujang, and water or broth.
2
Simmer
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Tip: For extra depth of flavor, allow the kimchi to simmer longer before adding other ingredients.
3
Add tofu
Carefully add the tofu cubes to the simmering broth.
Tip: Make sure to handle the tofu gently to maintain its shape.

How to Make Spicy Korean Kimchi Jjigae with Tofu

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Simmering the Stew
Allow the stew base to simmer for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
2
Adding the Proteins
Add marinated pork belly slices to the pot, stirring gently.
3
Final Seasoning
Stir in the fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and the remaining sesame oil. Adjust seasoning to taste.