Spicy Korean Kimchi Jjigae with Tofu

Name: Spicy Korean Kimchi Jjigae with Tofu
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Well-aged kimchi; Gochugaru; Gochujang; Water or vegetable broth; Firm tofu; Pork belly; Soy sauce; Fish sauce; Sesame oil; Green onions; Toasted sesame seeds

A delightful Korean stew that's rich in flavor and spices

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.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Stew Base

Well-aged kimchi

2 cups, chopped

Gochugaru

1 tablespoon

Gochujang

1 tablespoon

Water or vegetable broth

4 cups

For the Proteins

Firm tofu

14 oz package, drained and cut into cubes

Pork belly

1/2 pound, sliced thinly

For Seasoning

Soy sauce

2 tablespoons

Fish sauce

1 tablespoon

Sesame oil

1 tablespoon

For Garnishing

Green onions

2 stalks, sliced

Toasted sesame seeds

1 tablespoon

Preparation

Marinating the Pork Belly

Mix marinade

Mix the pork belly slices with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil.

Refrigerate

Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator.

Prep other ingredients

Prepare other ingredients while it marinates.

Preparing the Broth and Tofu

Combine base ingredients

In a large pot, combine the chopped kimchi, gochugaru, gochujang, and water or broth.

Simmer

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

For extra depth of flavor, allow the kimchi to simmer longer before adding other ingredients.

Add tofu

Carefully add the tofu cubes to the simmering broth.

Make sure to handle the tofu gently to maintain its shape.

Cooking Process

Simmering the Stew

Allow the stew base to simmer for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Adding the Proteins

Add marinated pork belly slices to the pot, stirring gently.

Final Seasoning

Stir in the fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and the remaining sesame oil. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Plating & Serving