Kimchi jjigae is one of the most popular Korean comfort foods and a staple in many Korean households.
This easy kimchi jjigae recipe is perfect for beginners who want to try making a warm and flavorful Korean stew at home ! With simple ingredients and clear steps, you can enjoy an authentic taste of Korean home-style cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 300g pork belly
- 1/2 block of tofu
- 1/2 onion
- 1 stalk of green onion
- 1 tablespoon gochujang
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon tuna fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 3 cups anchovy broth
Step-by-Step Kimchi Jjigae Recipe Instructions
Prepare the ingredients
Prepare the ingredients.
Squeeze out the excess liquid from the kimchi and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Do not throw away the kimchi juice set it aside, as it is the secret to adding deep flavor later.
Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces.
Pork shoulder or pork neck works best, but pork belly is also a good option.
Make sure the pieces are not too large, as larger pieces take longer to cook.
The next steps are…
Slice the green onion and onion.
Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes, and finely chop the chili peppers.
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the Cheongyang chili peppers.
Heat a pot over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
Add the pork and stir-fry until it is about halfway cooked and lightly browned on the outside.
This step helps remove any unpleasant odor from the meat and brings out a rich, savory flavor.
Add the sliced kimchi to the cooked pork and stir-fry them together.
Cook until the kimchi becomes translucent and lightly sizzles in the oil.
Boil and Simmer the Stew
Add all the remaining ingredients to the pot.
Cover with a lid and bring the stew to a rapid boil over high heat.
Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 5 more minutes, or until the pork is fully cooked.
Occasionally scoop up the broth and pour it over the kimchi.
This helps the kimchi cook faster and absorb more flavor.
Final Steps, It’s time to enjoy !
Let the stew simmer for another 2–3 minutes, then taste and adjust the seasoning. If it tastes bland, add a little soy sauce or salt.
If it is too sour, add a small amount of sugar.
Your pork kimchi jjigae is now ready to enjoy !
To make the process easier to follow, I’ve added a video below showing how to make kimchi jjigae step by step.
Find the perfect kimchi jjigae recipe at ONGI!
Kimchi jjigae is more than just a stew: it is a comforting dish that many Koreans grow up with.
This kimchi jjigae recipe is simple, comforting, and easy to follow for home cooks. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe allows beginners to enjoy an authentic taste of Korean comfort food at home.
At ONGI, we believe that meals like kimchi jjigae are meant to bring warmth and familiarity to everyday life.
If you would like to experience Korean comfort food inspired by home-style cooking, explore our menu and discover how ONGI brings comfort to the table.
If you are curious to experience kimchi jjigae inspired by home-style flavors, you can explore more dishes on our menu.