Rich and Flavorful Pork and Kimchi Stew (Kimchi Jjim)
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Pork Kimchi Stew (Kimchi Jjigae) Made with Rice Water
While planning to cook rice, I remembered the leftover pork belly from a recent barbecue trip. Luckily, the kimchi I bought four months ago was perfectly fermented, inspiring me to make a hearty pork and kimchi stew. Using aged kimchi (mukimchi) makes this dish even more delicious! I often find myself without aged kimchi at home because I don’t eat fermented cabbage often. Heh…
Ingredients- 1/4 head of fermented kimchi
- 500g pork (belly or neck)
- 500ml rice water
- 1.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/4 onion
- 1/2 block of tofu
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by placing the pork belly in the bottom of a pot. This will form a flavorful base for your stew. Then, cover the pork with the fermented kimchi. (While I typically use pork neck for kimchi jjim, today’s recipe uses pork belly for a richer taste.)
Step 2
Pour in the rice water, which adds a subtle sweetness and helps tenderize the ingredients. Add about one ladleful of kimchi brine to enhance the flavor. (Using rice water is key to achieving a smooth and deep broth!) Bring to a boil over high heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 3
After 20 minutes of simmering, check if the kimchi and pork are tender. Cut the cooked kimchi and pork into bite-sized pieces. (Alternatively, you can cut the kimchi and pork into pieces before simmering.)
Step 4
Now, it’s time to add the seasonings. Stir in 1.5 tablespoons of minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Add the quartered onion. (Optional: If you have mushrooms like shiitake, they make a great addition. For extra heat, add some red pepper flakes. If the kimchi is too sour, a little sugar can balance the acidity.)
Step 5
Once the stew is simmering again, add half a block of tofu, cut into large pieces. Tofu can break apart easily when reheated, so it’s recommended to add the remaining half block later when you’re ready to eat. (Adding tofu will release some moisture, naturally increasing the broth volume.)
Step 6
Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Your delicious Pork and Kimchi Stew (Kimchi Jjigae) is now ready! Serve hot with a side of steamed rice.
