Bring Korea's iconic comfort food to your kitchen with these step-by-step instructions for different types of Kimchi Stew!
1. Pork Kimchi Stew Recipe🍲
Pork Kimchi Stew is the most popular type of Kimchi Stew. The fatty richness of pork combined with the tangy and spicy flavors of aged kimchi creates a dish that is both hearty and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 200g (7 oz) well-fermented kimchi
- 150g (5 oz) pork belly or shoulder, sliced
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 green onion, sliced
- 1 cup of tofu cubes (optional)
- 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cups of anchovy or kelp stock
Instructions:
- In a pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add the pork slices and cook until lightly browned.
- Add the chopped onion and stir-fry for 2 minutes until the onion softens slightly.
- Add the kimchi and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. At this stage, you can also add gochugaru and gochujang for more depth in flavor.
- Pour in the stock and bring the stew to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes. Add soy sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.
- In the final 5 minutes, add the tofu cubes (if using) and green onion slices for garnish.
- Serve hot with steamed rice. Enjoy the rich, savory taste of Pork Kimchi Stew!
2. Tuna Kimchi Stew Recipe
Tuna Kimchi Stew is a fantastic option for seafood lovers. The addition of canned tuna gives the stew a rich and savory flavor that complements the tartness of the kimchi perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 200g (7 oz) well-fermented kimchi
- 1 can of tuna (in oil or water, depending on your preference)
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green chili (optional for extra spice)
- 1 cup of tofu cubes
- 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cups of water or anchovy/kelp stock
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the kimchi and stir-fry for about 3 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Add the gochugaru (and green chili, if using) and sauté for another minute.
- Pour in the stock or water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the canned tuna, breaking it into smaller chunks as it heats through.
- Add tofu cubes and sliced onions. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Adjust soy sauce for seasoning, if needed. Serve hot alongside steamed rice.
Tip: For a richer flavor, use tuna preserved in oil and include some of the oil in the stew.
3. Tofu Kimchi Stew Recipe
This vegetarian-friendly version of Kimchi Stew highlights the soft texture of tofu, making it a lighter yet equally flavorful option.
Ingredients:
- 200g (7 oz) well-fermented kimchi
- 1 block of tofu (about 300g), cut into cubes
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 stalk of green onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cups of vegetable stock
- 1 tsp soy sauce (or salt for seasoning)
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the kimchi and stir-fry for about 3 minutes.
- Add the vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add the tofu cubes and diced onion. Let the stew cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors.
- Season with soy sauce or salt, depending on your taste preference.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy with a side of rice for a wholesome meal.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. Can I use fresh kimchi instead of fermented kimchi?
While fermented kimchi is ideal for Kimchi Stew because of its strong flavor, fresh kimchi can be used if you saut it longer to bring out more depth.
- 2. How do I make the stew less spicy?
To reduce spiciness, you can reduce the amount of gochugaru or omit the gochujang. Adding more stock or watercan also dilute the heat.
- 3. What’s the best side dish to serve with Kimchi Stew?
Steamed rice is a must. You can also serve it with banchan (Korean side dishes) like seasoned spinach, pickledradish, or seasoned seaweed.