Hearty & Flavorful Kimchi Soaked Bean Curd Stew (Biji Jjigae)
A Comforting and Delicious Kimchi Biji Jjigae Recipe Made with Tofu
This Kimchi Biji Jjigae recipe captures the rich, savory taste of traditional bean curd stew, enhanced with aged kimchi. It achieves a deep flavor using only tofu, making it a uniquely satisfying dish.
Main Ingredients
- 1 block (approx. 300g) Tofu
- 1/2 head (approx. 300g) Aged Kimchi
- 100g Pork Shoulder (or similar cut)
- 1/2 Onion
- 1 Green Chili Pepper
- 1 Red Chili Pepper
- 1 Green Onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all your ingredients. Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces. Thickly slice the onion. Chop the green and red chili peppers and green onion diagonally.
Step 2
Drain the tofu thoroughly using a cheesecloth or paper towels, then mash it. This step helps create a smoother and creamier texture for the stew.
Step 3
Finely chop the aged kimchi into manageable pieces. Using aged kimchi will deepen the flavor of the biji jjigae. If your kimchi is very sour, you can add a little sugar to balance the taste.
Step 4
Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and pork, and stir-fry until the pork is golden brown. Sautéing until the pork releases its fat is key for flavor.
Step 5
Next, add the chopped kimchi and 1 tablespoon of gochugaru. Stir and cook together for about 2-3 minutes. Coating the kimchi well with the oil and chili flakes will enhance its savory taste.
Step 6
Pour in 5 cups (1L) of water. Cover the pot and simmer over medium heat for at least 10 minutes, or until the kimchi is tender and the broth has developed flavor. Letting the kimchi simmer well is essential for the best taste.
Step 7
Once the kimchi is tender, add the mashed tofu and sliced onion to the pot. Stir well to break up any clumps of tofu as it simmers.
Step 8
Finally, season the stew with 1 tablespoon of saeujeot (salted shrimp) and a pinch of black pepper. Saeujeot adds a wonderful umami depth. Adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
Step 9
Add the diagonally sliced green onion, green chili pepper, and red chili pepper, and let it simmer for a final minute. This adds a touch of heat and freshness to complete the delicious Kimchi Biji Jjigae.
Step 10
Serve this comforting Kimchi Biji Jjigae hot with a bowl of steamed rice for a truly satisfying meal!
