Golden Recipe Kimchi Stew
Master Chef Im Sung-geun’s Rich and Deep Kimchi Stew Recipe from Altolan
Kimchi Stew, a beloved comfort food for Koreans! Learn the special kimchi stew recipe from Master Chef Im Sung-geun, featured on the TV program Altolan. Discover the secret to the fantastic harmony of aged kimchi and pork, and the secret to its deep, refreshing broth.
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 head of well-fermented kimchi
- 200g pork (neck or belly recommended)
- 1/2 block of tofu
- 1 onion
- 1 stalk of green onion
- Fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance)
- 4 cups broth water
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 3 Tbsp coarse red pepper flakes
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently shake off any excess filling from the aged kimchi and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Cut the pork, including some fatty parts, into similar sizes.
Step 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cut kimchi, pork fat, 1/2 tablespoon of sugar, a little cooking oil (if not using pork fat), and 1 tablespoon of coarse red pepper flakes. Stir-fry until the kimchi softens. This process reduces the sourness and enhances the umami.
Step 3
In a pot, combine the broth ingredients (1 piece of radish, 1/2 stalk of green onion, 1/2 onion, 1 sheet of dried kelp, 10 dried anchovies, 3 dried red chilies, 1/2 Tbsp coarse salt) with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to create a rich broth. Strain the broth. (Tip: A good ratio is 1 part kimchi to 2 parts broth).
Step 4
Arrange the stir-fried kimchi at the bottom of the pot. Then, layer the cut potatoes (optional, but adds great flavor), pork loin, and neatly sliced tofu on top of the kimchi.
Step 5
Pour the prepared broth over the ingredients. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of coarse red pepper flakes to achieve a spicy and deep flavor. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
Step 6
Once the kimchi is tender, add the remaining 1/2 onion and 1/2 stalk of green onion, roughly chopped, and simmer for a while longer to allow the vegetables’ sweetness to infuse into the stew.
Step 7
Finally, season the stew. If needed, adjust the taste with fish sauce (sand lance or anchovy). Using fish sauce instead of regular salt will add a much deeper and richer savory flavor. Enjoy your delicious Kimchi Stew!