Spicy and Rich Pork Kimchi Stew (Baek Jong-won Style)
Baek Jong-won’s Ultimate Recipe! How to Make Deep and Flavorful Kimchi Stew with Plenty of Pork
I finally tried the super simple kimchi stew recipe revealed on ‘Taste of Hometown’ that became a hot topic! The fantastic harmony of aged kimchi and fresh pork, enhanced with the umami from salted shrimp, makes it truly ‘awesome’. While the broadcast didn’t reveal exact measurements, I discovered the secret by making it myself. With well-fermented aged kimchi, pork with no gamey smell, and salted shrimp to boost the savory flavor, anyone can make the best kimchi stew. The key is to simmer it long enough for the broth to develop a deep flavor!
Main Ingredients- 400g Pork hind leg (chunk or ground)
- 1/4 head well-fermented aged kimchi
- 2 Tbsp salted shrimp
- 1/2 cup chopped green onion
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup
- 1 tsp salt (for seasoning adjustment)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp red pepper powder
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the pork according to your preference. The broadcast used cubed hind leg chunks, but you can also use ground pork if you have it at home. Any cut of pork can create a deep flavor in kimchi stew.
Step 2
It’s crucial to use ‘aged kimchi’ that is well-fermented. Kimchi with a strong sour taste brings out the characteristic spicy and refreshing flavor of kimchi stew, so make sure to prepare sour kimchi.
Step 3
Pour a generous amount of water into a pot and add the prepared pork (chunks or ground). If using pork chunks, cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4
Add 2 tablespoons of salted shrimp, cover with a lid, and simmer for at least 1 hour. This process allows the deep savory flavors of the pork and salted shrimp to meld, making the broth much richer. Take your time to simmer thoroughly.
Step 5
After simmering the pork and salted shrimp for over an hour, prepare the next ingredients.
Step 6
Add the prepared aged kimchi to the pot. A key tip is to cut the kimchi into desired sizes with scissors right before eating, after it has simmered. Remove the tough core of the cabbage and add the leaves whole.
Step 7
Add a generous amount of chopped green onions. The refreshing aroma of the green onions enhances the stew’s flavor.
Step 8
Adding thinly sliced onions will also help to bring out the sweetness and depth of flavor in the kimchi stew.
Step 9
Now, let’s season it. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for soup, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of salt. For a spicy kick, add 2 tablespoons of red pepper powder. Adjust the seasoning based on the saltiness of your kimchi.
Step 10
With all ingredients added, let it simmer until the kimchi becomes tender and translucent. If you plan to add ramen noodles or other additions, it’s best to use plenty of water from the start. Continue to simmer until the kimchi is soft and the broth is rich. Enjoy your delicious kimchi stew!
