Kimchi Jjigae

김치찌개

(Kimchi Stew with Pork)

Kimchi jjigae is an iconic Korean dish. It is a go-to recipe for old or aged kimchi, a staple food in Korean households. Though it is common knowledge to throw away old food because it is bad, kimchi becomes a good ingredient the longer they are fermented. Kimchi jjigae is one of the most beloved lunch dishes for Korean office workers as it reminds them of a mother’s home-cooked meal; it also serves as comfort food for them.

MAIN INGREDIENTS

SEASONINGs

HOW TO prepare

  1. Cut kimchi into 2-inch long pieces.
  2. Cut pork into small bite-sized pieces, then coat with seasonings.
  3. Cut tofu into flat rectangles
  4. Cut green onion diagonally.

HOW TO COOK

  1. Put oil in a pot and stir-fry pork for 2 to 3 minutes.
  2. Add kimchi and stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Pour water into the pot and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
  4. Add tofu and green onion and boil for another 5 minutes.

chef’s notes

  1. You can use canned tuna, Spam, or ham instead of pork.
  2. To make an authentic Kimchi Jjigae, use old kimchi. Fresh kimchi is not as delicious as the well-fermented ones. For this recipe, the older the kimchi, the better.

 

This Dish Appears in the Following Korean Drama/s:

 

CHEF REGGIE’S TIPS

VARIATION