Spicy and Flavorful Pork Kimchi Stew (Kimchi Jjim)
Spicy and Flavorful Pork Kimchi Stew (Kimchi Jjim)
How to Make Delicious Pork Kimchi Stew with Aged Kimchi and Pork Neck
This pork kimchi stew is incredibly easy to make, requiring only pork and well-fermented or sour kimchi, regardless of the pork cut. Simmering the pork and kimchi until tender creates a deeply satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with rice, making one or even two bowls disappear quickly. (Tbsp: Tablespoon, based on a standard Korean rice spoon)
Key Ingredients for Pork Kimchi Stew- Pork Neck 467g (other cuts also work)
- Aged Kimchi or Sour Kimchi 297g
- Onion 103g
- Cheongyang Peppers 2 (approx. 19g)
- Scallion 1 stalk (approx. 62g)
- Minced Garlic 1 Tbsp
- Minced Ginger 0.3 Tbsp (optional, for enhanced flavor)
- Red Pepper Powder 1 Tbsp (adjust for spiciness)
Seasoning for Deeper Flavor- Salted Shrimp Ferment (Saeu-jeot) 0.4 Tbsp (adds depth to the broth)
- Commercial Doenjang (Soybean Paste) 0.4 Tbsp (removes gamey odors and adds umami)
- Soup Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang) 0.4 Tbsp (for seasoning)
- Brown Sugar 0.6 Tbsp (balances acidity and adds sweetness)
- Water 800ml (base for the stew)
- Salted Shrimp Ferment (Saeu-jeot) 0.4 Tbsp (adds depth to the broth)
- Commercial Doenjang (Soybean Paste) 0.4 Tbsp (removes gamey odors and adds umami)
- Soup Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang) 0.4 Tbsp (for seasoning)
- Brown Sugar 0.6 Tbsp (balances acidity and adds sweetness)
- Water 800ml (base for the stew)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the key components for a flavorful kimchi stew: well-fermented or sour kimchi and tender pork neck. Cut the kimchi into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
Step 2
Slice the onion (103g) into thick strips, not too thin. These will add sweetness and aroma to the stew. Cut the scallion (1 stalk) diagonally into pieces about 1.5cm thick. The white parts offer a refreshing taste, while the green parts add fragrance.
Step 3
Prepare minced garlic (1 Tbsp) to enhance the stew’s aroma, and minced ginger (0.3 Tbsp) for a classic Korean touch. Remember, even a small amount of ginger can significantly boost the flavor.
Step 4
Gather the ingredients for the stew’s seasoning base. In a bowl, combine water (800ml), brown sugar (0.6 Tbsp), soup soy sauce (0.4 Tbsp), salted shrimp ferment (0.4 Tbsp), and doenjang (0.4 Tbsp). (The red pepper powder will be added later).
Step 5
In a large bowl, mix all the prepared seasoning ingredients with the water (800ml). Stir well until the seasonings are fully dissolved to create a cohesive sauce.
Step 6
Now, it’s time to assemble the stew in the pot. Line the bottom of the pot with the cut kimchi, followed by the pork neck slices. Pour the prepared seasoning sauce evenly over the ingredients, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
Step 7
Arrange the sliced onions and diagonally cut scallions over the pork and kimchi. Add the minced garlic and ginger on top. Cooking these vegetables together will further enrich the broth with their combined flavors.
Step 8
Finally, sprinkle the red pepper powder (1 Tbsp) evenly over the stew. This adds a pleasant spiciness and a beautiful color. Gently stir everything together with a spoon to ensure the seasonings are distributed. Place the pot over high heat to bring the stew to a boil.
Step 9
Once the kimchi stew begins to boil vigorously, carefully remove the lid and give it another good stir. Stirring intermittently prevents sticking to the bottom and helps the flavors meld evenly.
Step 10
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to slightly below medium. Let it simmer for 40-50 minutes, allowing the pork neck to become tender and the kimchi flavors to deeply infuse into the stew. This slow cooking process results in a wonderfully rich and comforting dish. (You can also simmer with the lid slightly ajar. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the pork. Check periodically and add more water if the broth reduces too much.)
Step 11
During the simmering process, lift the lid once or twice to stir the stew. Check the broth consistency and taste. If it needs more saltiness, add a bit more soup soy sauce to adjust to your preference. A little extra salted shrimp ferment can also enhance the umami.
Step 12
Once the broth has slightly reduced and the flavors have thoroughly penetrated the ingredients, your delicious pork kimchi stew is ready! Serve hot with a bowl of steamed rice.
