Braised Pork Ribs with Aged Kimchi: A Rich Flavor for the Whole Family
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Recipe for Tender Pork Ribs Stewed with Aged Kimchi
Discover the magic of ‘Mugeunji Deunggalbijjim’ (Pork Ribs Stewed with Aged Kimchi), a hearty dish that harmonizes the deep, fermented flavors of well-aged kimchi with succulent pork ribs. This stew is a true ‘rice thief,’ guaranteed to make you want to savor every spoonful of its savory, slightly spicy broth. It’s a family favorite, adaptable for even the youngest palates, and the ribs become so tender they practically fall off the bone, accompanied by the soft, flavorful kimchi. This recipe offers a wonderful way to use up aged kimchi and create a centerpiece meal that requires no other side dishes. Let’s walk through the steps to create this delicious masterpiece.
Main Ingredients
- Pork ribs 1.2kg
- 1/4 head of well-aged kimchi (Mugeunji)
- Water 600ml (or rice water)
- 1 stalk of green onion
- 1/2 onion
For Blanching Ribs (to remove impurities)
- Water 1.5L
- 4-5 bay leaves
- 6-7 cloves of garlic
Flavorful Sauce Mix
- Soy sauce 2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili powder) 1 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 1 Tbsp
- Cooking wine (Mirin) 2 Tbsp
- Fish sauce (Anchovy/Sardine) 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 1.5 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Minced ginger 1/3 Tbsp
- Black pepper 1/2 tsp
- Water 1.5L
- 4-5 bay leaves
- 6-7 cloves of garlic
Flavorful Sauce Mix
- Soy sauce 2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili powder) 1 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 1 Tbsp
- Cooking wine (Mirin) 2 Tbsp
- Fish sauce (Anchovy/Sardine) 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 1.5 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Minced ginger 1/3 Tbsp
- Black pepper 1/2 tsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by rinsing the pork ribs under cold running water. This initial rinse helps to remove any surface blood and impurities, setting the stage for a cleaner taste.
Step 2
In a large pot, bring 1.5L of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the bay leaves and whole garlic cloves. Then, carefully add the pork ribs. These aromatics will help to neutralize any gamey odors. Blanch the ribs for about 3-5 minutes, just until the surface color changes and some impurities rise to the top. This step is crucial for a cleaner final dish. You can also add peppercorns or other spices if desired.
Step 3
While the ribs are blanching, prepare your vegetables. Slice the onion into thick wedges and the green onion into diagonal pieces. If you prefer a spicier stew, feel free to add sliced chili peppers at this stage. We’ve omitted them for a milder family-friendly version.
Step 4
After blanching, drain the pork ribs and rinse them thoroughly under cold water again. This second rinse removes any lingering impurities and excess fat, ensuring a cleaner flavor profile for your stew. Have the rinsed ribs ready to be cooked with the kimchi.
Step 5
Now, let’s prepare the sauce that will infuse the ribs and kimchi with rich flavor. In a bowl, combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp gochujang, 2 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin), 1 Tbsp fish sauce, 1.5 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1/3 Tbsp minced ginger, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth.
Step 6
In a clean pot, spread the aged kimchi at the bottom. Arrange the blanched and rinsed pork ribs on top of the kimchi. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the ribs. Add 600ml of water (or for an even richer flavor, use rice water). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat once it starts simmering.
Step 7
Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour over medium-low heat. This slow cooking process tenderizes the pork ribs, allowing them to become fall-off-the-bone tender, and ensures the flavors meld beautifully. Stir the contents occasionally, moving the ribs and kimchi around to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
Step 8
In the final stage of cooking, add the sliced onion and green onion to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, just until the vegetables are tender but still retain a slight bite. This adds a fresh sweetness and aromatic quality to the stew.
Step 9
Your delicious Aged Kimchi Pork Rib Stew is ready! The combination of tender ribs, perfectly stewed kimchi, and the deeply flavorful broth is a culinary triumph. This hearty dish is a fantastic centerpiece that can easily feed your family for a couple of meals. It’s a wonderful way to utilize leftover aged kimchi and create a memorable meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!
