Pork Kimchi Stew
Pork Kimchi Stew
The Ultimate Rice Thief! Golden Recipe for Rich Pork Kimchi Stew with Aged Kimchi
This Pork Kimchi Stew, simmered until deeply flavorful with generously added pork and perfectly fermented aged kimchi, is arguably the ultimate rice-thief dish! Its unparalleled taste is something you won’t forget. Here’s the golden recipe for you! It’s a fantastic choice for special occasions or simply to make any meal hearty and satisfying.
Main Ingredients- 1/2 head of well-fermented aged kimchi (approx. 1kg)
- 1kg pork belly or neck, cut for stew
- 1/2 onion
- 1 green onion (scallion)
- 1 red chili pepper
- 1 green chili pepper (or jalapeño)
- 800ml water
- 400ml anchovy broth
Seasoning Ingredients- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 3 Tbsp sesame oil (or perilla oil)
- 2.5 Tbsp minced garlic (1.5 Tbsp for sautéing, 1 Tbsp for finishing)
- 2 Tbsp soju (for removing pork odor)
- 2 Tbsp Guk-ganjang (Korean soup soy sauce)
- 2.5 Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 3 Tbsp sesame oil (or perilla oil)
- 2.5 Tbsp minced garlic (1.5 Tbsp for sautéing, 1 Tbsp for finishing)
- 2 Tbsp soju (for removing pork odor)
- 2 Tbsp Guk-ganjang (Korean soup soy sauce)
- 2.5 Tbsp sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
This recipe yields a generous portion, enough for 5-6 people. It’s perfect for making ahead and enjoying for 2-3 days, making it quite practical! Crucially, using 1kg of pork adds a rich depth of flavor.
Step 2
Prepare the aged kimchi by cutting it into bite-sized pieces. If the kimchi pieces are too large, the seasoning might not penetrate well, and it will take longer to cook. Adjust the size for optimal flavor infusion.
Step 3
Trim the tough bottom part of the aged kimchi with a knife. This helps the kimchi to break down nicely and absorb the seasoning evenly, resulting in a more delicious stew.
Step 4
Slice the chili peppers diagonally for a touch of heat. Using Korean green chilies (cheongyang peppers) will add a pleasant spiciness, while regular green chilies are a good alternative if you prefer milder heat.
Step 5
Green onions add a refreshing flavor to the stew. Cut them into large, about 3-4cm pieces. This size helps them maintain their shape while cooking and infuse their flavor effectively.
Step 6
Onions are essential for adding sweetness and a refreshing taste. Chop them into large chunks. As they cook, they’ll naturally release their sweetness, enriching the overall flavor profile of the kimchi stew.
Step 7
A special technique I use is to sauté the pork first! Place the 1kg of pork in a pan and add 2 tablespoons of soju. Soju is excellent for eliminating any gamey or porky odors.
Step 8
Add 1.5 tablespoons of minced garlic and stir-fry until the pork is more than halfway cooked through and slightly browned. Sautéing the pork first locks in the juices, resulting in a richer, more savory flavor.
Step 9
Arrange the prepared aged kimchi over the sautéed pork. This layering allows the kimchi to absorb the delicious rendered fat and juices from the pork as it cooks, becoming more tender and flavorful.
Step 10
Now, let’s add the liquid. Pour in 800ml of water and 400ml of anchovy broth. (Tip: A 2:1 ratio of water to anchovy broth complements the rich pork broth, creating a clean and refreshing taste.)
Step 11
Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili powder) to give the stew its characteristic spicy and deep flavor.
Step 12
Drizzle in 3 tablespoons of perilla oil (or sesame oil). The nutty aroma of the oil will further enhance the flavors of the kimchi and pork.
Step 13
Add 2.5 tablespoons of sugar. This balances the acidity of the kimchi and adds a subtle sweetness, rounding out the flavors.
Step 14
Cover the pot tightly and simmer over medium-low heat for 25 minutes. This time allows the kimchi to soften and all the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
Step 15
After 25 minutes, add the chopped onions. Stir in 2 tablespoons of guk-ganjang for umami and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic for extra aroma. Cover again and let it simmer for another 15 minutes to reduce and deepen the flavors.
Step 16
Finally, add the chopped green onions and chili peppers. Cook for just 2-3 more minutes until the stew is perfectly finished! If needed, adjust the seasoning with a little salt or more guk-ganjang to your preference.
Step 17
Experience the divine combination of melt-in-your-mouth tender kimchi and incredibly soft, succulent pork! It truly lives up to its ‘ultimate rice thief’ title. Follow this recipe, and you’re guaranteed a delicious kimchi stew.
Step 18
This Pork Kimchi Stew requires no other side dishes and is always a popular choice for dinner! Enjoy a wonderful meal with your family using this recipe. Bon appétit!
