5 from 20 votes
Kimchi Jjigae (Stew) with Pork Belly
Kimchi Jjigae is a Korean stew made with sour kimchi, pork belly, garlic, anchovy stock, and optional seasonings like mirin and red chili powder. The stew is simmered until the pork is tender and the flavors meld, resulting in a hearty, spicy, and sour soup with rich umami from anchovies and pork fat.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings:
2
Calories:
695 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Korean
Ingredients
- 7 oz kimchi 3-4 cups / 750 ml - 1 L, sour or aged; chopped
- 8 oz pork belly should have some fat, or shoulder
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped or crushed)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 packet anchovy stock (or 5 large anchovies for stock)
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cups water
OPTIONAL:
- 1 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 1/4 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 onion (sliced)
- 1/4 tsp guk ganjang Korean Soup Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- If you have a whole cabbage kimchi, cut into smaller pieces.
- Cut pork against the grain into bite size pieces.
- Heat oil in a pot and saute the pork on medium high heat until slightly cooked.
- Add the kimchi and sauté for another 7 – 8 min.
- Add water, rice wine, chopped garlic, garlic powder and the dried anchovies (or anchovy stock packet). Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 30 min. Halfway through the simmer (15 min), taste the soup. If you think it could use some additional seasoning, add the red chili powder and gook kanjang. You can also add some the of the kimchi juice if you feel it is tasting a bit bland.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Use sour or aged kimchi for best authentic flavor in Kimchi Jjigae; younger kimchi won’t yield the same depth.
- If the stew is too sour, add a teaspoon or two of sugar to balance acidity.
- To reduce saltiness or spiciness, remove some broth and add water to dilute the stew.
- Serve with rice and grilled or braised meats like kalbi or bulgogi to complement the rich flavors.
Nutrition Information
Calories
695kcal
(35%)
Carbohydrates
7g
(2%)
Protein
11g
(22%)
Fat
69g
(106%)
Saturated Fat
27g
(135%)
Cholesterol
81mg
(27%)
Sodium
159mg
(7%)
Potassium
249mg
(5%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
75IU
(2%)
Vitamin C
3mg
(3%)
Calcium
29mg
(3%)
Iron
0.6mg
(3%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 2 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 695
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 695kcal | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 69g | 106% |
| Saturated Fat | 27g | 135% |
| Cholesterol | 81mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 159mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 249mg | 5% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 75IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 29mg | 3% |
| Iron | 0.6mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.