Pork Neck Kimchi Jjim: A Delectable Braised Kimchi Stew with Tender Pork
Pork Neck Kimchi Jjim: A Delectable Braised Kimchi Stew with Tender Pork
Melt-in-your-mouth pork neck braised with savory aged kimchi for a comforting and flavorful stew.
This hearty braised kimchi stew, made with succulent pork neck, is a perfect one-dish meal that’s sure to satisfy. Kimchi jjim is truly a rice thief – it’s that delicious! Enjoy this comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table.
Key Ingredients- 1 head of well-fermented Napa cabbage kimchi
- About 7 slices of pork neck (approx. 1-1.5cm thick)
- Water (enough to cover the kimchi)
- 1 tablespoon perilla oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse and drain one head of aged kimchi. Chop it into large pieces and layer it at the bottom of a deep pot or hot pot. Adding about 1/2 cup of kimchi brine along with the kimchi pieces will significantly enhance the stew’s savory depth.
Step 2
Pour enough fresh water into the pot to generously cover the kimchi. Adjust the water level based on the saltiness and moisture content of your kimchi.
Step 3
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of perilla oil evenly over the kimchi. The nutty aroma of perilla oil will beautifully complement the flavors of both the kimchi and the pork.
Step 4
Arrange the pork neck slices on top of the kimchi. Pork neck is ideal as it has a pleasant chewiness and a good balance of fat, making the stew incredibly tender and flavorful.
Step 5
Cover the pork slices completely with the kimchi. This technique ensures that the juices from the pork are retained during cooking, and the kimchi broth penetrates the meat, infusing it with rich flavor.
Step 6
Cover the pot with a lid and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 40-50 minutes, or until the kimchi becomes very soft and tender, and the pork can be easily pulled apart with chopsticks. If the liquid reduces too much, add a little more water as needed.
Step 7
Once the stew has a nice, slightly thickened broth and both the kimchi and pork are perfectly tender, stir in 1 teaspoon of MSG or seasoning powder to adjust the taste. Using just a touch of seasoning powder here works wonders, harmonizing with the kimchi’s natural saltiness to create a perfect umami balance (adjust the amount based on your kimchi’s saltiness). Your delicious Pork Neck Kimchi Jjim is now ready to be enjoyed with a bowl of hot rice!
