A steaming pot of Kimchi jjigae, a traditional Korean stew made with fermented kimchi, pork, and vegetables.
Recipes Lunch Pork Soup & Stew

Kimchi Jjigae Recipe 김치찌개

What is Kimchi Jjigae?

Kimchi jjigae, also known as kimchi stew, is a traditional Korean dish made with kimchi, a fermented cabbage condiment, and a variety of other ingredients such as pork, tofu, and onions. The kimchi is typically the main ingredient in the stew and is combined with the other ingredients in a pot to create a flavorful and hearty soup. The stew is then seasoned with gochujang (red pepper paste) and other ingredients to give it a spicy and savory flavor.

Kimchi jjigae is a popular and satisfying meal in Korea and is often served as a part of a traditional Korean meal. It has a spicy and tangy flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes, and its hearty and filling nature makes it a great choice for a cold winter day. In addition to being delicious, kimchi jjigae is also believed to have a number of health benefits, as kimchi is a good source of probiotics and other beneficial bacteria. Whether you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying soup or simply want to enjoy a tasty and traditional Korean dish, kimchi jjigae is a great choice

How To Make Kimchi Jjigae

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup diced zucchini
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup diced tofu
  • 1/2 cup diced pork
  • 1 cup kimchi, chopped
  • 1 cup kimchi juice
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (red chili paste)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are translucent.
  2. Add the zucchini, bell peppers, tofu, and pork to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  3. Add the kimchi, kimchi juice, water, gochujang, soy sauce, and sugar to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Garnish the Kimchi Jjigae with green onion and sesame seeds.
  5. Serve the Kimchi Jjigae hot as a main dish.

Cozy Stew For Cold Days

One of my fondest memories with kimchi jjigae was on a cold and rainy day at home. I had been craving something hearty and comforting and decided to try my hand at making kimchi jjigae. I gathered all of the ingredients, kimchi, pork, tofu, onions, and gochujang and started cooking.

As the kimchi jjigae simmered on the stove, the spicy and tangy aroma filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to try it. When it was finally ready, I ladled a big bowl of the stew and sat down to enjoy it. The flavors were amazing – the kimchi was spicy and tangy, and the pork and tofu added a nice depth of flavor to the stew. I finished every last bite, feeling warm and fulfilled. It was definitely a memorable and enjoyable experience, and I will always have a special place in my heart for kimchi jjigae.