Pork and Kimchi Stew: A Spicy and Delicious Meal Perfect for Chilly Days
Pork and Kimchi Stew: A Spicy and Delicious Meal Perfect for Chilly Days
Super Simple Pork and Kimchi Stew Made with Ingredients You Already Have! Looks Great, Tastes Even Better!
This is an incredibly easy Pork and Kimchi Stew that you can make with just kimchi and pork. Rolling the pork in kimchi leaves not only makes for a beautiful presentation but also creates a deep, spicy flavor that’s perfect for a comforting meal on a cool day. It’s a hearty and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion, not just special ones.
Main Ingredients- 9-10 large leaves of well-fermented napa cabbage kimchi (choose leaves that are wide and pliable)
- 300g pork (pork shoulder or pork belly recommended)
- 1 cup (approx. 200ml) broth or water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s gather all the ingredients for the Pork and Kimchi Stew. You’ll find that with just kimchi and pork, you can create a wonderfully flavorful dish with minimal effort.
Step 2
To ensure the stew looks appealing and is easy to eat, select 9-10 large, wide leaves of kimchi. These wide leaves will be perfect for wrapping the pork and will make the final dish look much more appetizing.
Step 3
For the pork, I recommend using pork shoulder, which has a good balance of lean meat and fat. Pork belly can be a bit too fatty, and tenderloin or sirloin might be too dry. Cut the pork into pieces that will fit comfortably within the kimchi leaves and are suitable for rolling. If the pieces are too thick, they might take longer to cook, so aim for a moderate thickness.
Step 4
In a bowl, combine the pork with 1 tablespoon of doenjang and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Gently mix and massage the ingredients into the pork to marinate. Doenjang helps to remove any porky odor and adds a pleasant savory depth.
Step 5
Lay a kimchi leaf flat on your cutting board. Place the marinated pork onto the leaf and begin rolling it tightly, starting from the thickest part of the kimchi stem. Ensure you roll it securely so the pork doesn’t come out.
Step 6
Once you’ve rolled the pork snugly within the kimchi leaves, you’ll have these neat little rolls. This method not only looks attractive but also makes the stew more enjoyable to eat. Presentation truly enhances the dining experience!
Step 7
To make serving and eating even easier, cut each kimchi roll in half. This also helps the flavors to penetrate better during cooking, ensuring a more delicious result. It adds a nice touch to the presentation as well.
Step 8
Arrange the cut kimchi rolls neatly in the bottom of your pot. Laying them out without too much overlapping will help the broth and seasonings to distribute evenly as it cooks.
Step 9
Now, pour in 1 cup of broth or water. While plain water works, using anchovy or kelp broth will add a significantly richer and more complex umami flavor. If you don’t have broth, rice water is also a good alternative.
Step 10
Add 1 tablespoon of chili powder (gochugaru) to bring in that signature spicy kick. The amount can be adjusted according to your preference and the spiciness of your kimchi. Feel free to add more if you enjoy a spicier dish.
Step 11
Stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar. This helps to balance the tartness of the kimchi and harmonizes the overall flavor profile. If your kimchi is particularly sour, you might want to add a little extra sugar.
Step 12
For an extra layer of savory depth and umami, add 1 tablespoon of soup soy sauce or fish sauce. While this step is optional, it greatly enhances the richness of the stew.
Step 13
If your kimchi tastes a bit bland or you desire a more intense kimchi flavor, consider adding about 1/2 cup of kimchi brine. You can adjust this amount or omit it depending on the saltiness and taste of your kimchi. This step is optional but helps to deepen the kimchi’s natural flavor.
Step 14
Cover the pot and let it simmer gently over medium-low heat until the ingredients are thoroughly cooked and tender. Once the pork is tender and the kimchi is soft and flavorful, your delicious Pork and Kimchi Stew is ready! It’s a true rice-lover’s delight!
