Tender Pork Backbone Kimchi Stew: A Hearty & Flavorful Korean Dish
Tender Pork Backbone Kimchi Stew: A Hearty & Flavorful Korean Dish
Delicious Dinner Idea: Rich and Comforting Pork Backbone and Aged Kimchi Stew (Kimchi Jjim)
Experience the magic of slow-cooked pork backbone in this incredibly flavorful Kimchi Jjim. As it simmers, the pork releases its rich essence, infusing the aged kimchi with a deep, savory flavor that transforms it into an unforgettable dinner centerpiece. The tender meat falls off the bone, making every bite a delight.
Main Ingredients- 1.2kg Pork Backbones
- 1.2kg Well-fermented Kimchi (Kimchi Jjim style)
- 1 stalk Green Onion
- 1 Onion
- 2 Korean Red Peppers (Cheongyang chili peppers for more spice)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by soaking the 1.2kg of pork backbones in cold water for 1 hour. This crucial step helps to remove any residual blood, ensuring a cleaner taste and odor for your stew.
Step 2
In a pot, bring enough water to cover the pork backbones to a rolling boil. Add 70ml of soju (Korean rice wine) to the boiling water. Once boiling, add the pork backbones and blanch them on high heat for 5 minutes. This helps to further purify the meat and prepare it for stewing.
Step 3
After blanching, carefully remove the pork backbones and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure to clean off any impurities. Drain the rinsed backbones well in a colander and set aside.
Step 4
Prepare the vegetables for the stew. Roughly chop the onion. Cut the green onion stalk in half lengthwise, then into 10cm sections. Slice the Cheongyang chili peppers and red bell pepper diagonally into large pieces. Feel free to adjust the number of chili peppers to your preferred level of spiciness.
Step 5
Now, assemble the stew in a large pot. Add the cleaned pork backbones, the well-fermented kimchi, the prepared onion, green onion, and chili peppers. Pour in the 200ml of kimchi brine, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 1L of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Step 6
Once the stew reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 1 hour and 10 minutes. During this time, it’s important to stir the contents every 15-20 minutes, gently scraping the bottom of the pot. This prevents sticking and ensures the flavors meld beautifully. Continue simmering until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bones.
Step 7
Once the stew is perfectly cooked and the meat is tender, ladle it into a serving bowl. Sprinkle with the reserved 0.5 Tbsp of sesame seeds for a final touch of flavor and aroma. Serve hot with a bowl of steamed rice for a truly satisfying Korean meal.
