Spicy Pork and Aged Kimchi Stew (Muk-eunji Kimchi Jjigae)
Spicy Pork and Aged Kimchi Stew (Muk-eunji Kimchi Jjigae)
Deep and Savory Pork and Aged Kimchi Stew: Perfect for Overly Sour Kimchi!
This rich and spicy Pork and Kimchi Stew is the perfect solution for that overly sour aged kimchi (muk-eunji) that’s too tangy to eat on its own. By combining it with tender pork, this stew transforms any sour kimchi into a delicious, deeply flavored dish, even neutralizing any slight fermented smell. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that comes together with just a few simmering steps.
Main Ingredients- 200g Pork (for stew)
- 2 bowls Aged Kimchi (well-fermented)
- 1 medium Onion
- 2 Korean Green Peppers (Cheongyang chili peppers)
- 1 Red Chili Pepper
- 1/4 bunch Scallions
- 600ml Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before you begin cooking, prepare all the ingredients thoroughly.
Step 2
To reduce the sourness of the aged kimchi, gently rinse off excess seasoning. Then, rinse it under running water several times. Soak the kimchi in cold water for at least 3 hours, changing the water periodically to help remove more of the sourness. The kimchi is ready when its strong sourness is significantly reduced – you can test by tasting a small piece.
Step 3
Once soaked, squeeze out any excess water from the kimchi. In a pot, combine the squeezed kimchi, pork, minced garlic, plum extract, gochujang, soup soy sauce, gochugaru, ginger powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasonings coat the ingredients well. (Do not add the onion, scallions, or chili peppers at this stage).
Step 4
Pour the 600ml of water into the pot with the seasoned ingredients. Turn the heat to high and bring the stew to a rolling boil with the lid off.
Step 5
While the stew is coming to a boil, prepare the vegetables. Slice the onion into thick strips. Cut the scallions, red chili pepper, and green chili peppers diagonally into large pieces. Cutting them larger helps them retain some texture during the simmering process.
Step 6
Once the stew begins to boil, skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Let it boil uncovered for 5 minutes. Then, cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 10 minutes. Finally, lower the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen.
Step 7
Near the end of the cooking time, add the prepared onion, scallions, red chili pepper, and green chili peppers. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, just until the vegetables are slightly softened.
Step 8
Taste the kimchi stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add a little salt if it needs more flavor.
Step 9
Your delicious and spicy Pork and Aged Kimchi Stew is ready! Enjoy it hot with a bowl of steamed rice.
