Kimchi Jjigae
AI-generated image
Korean

Kimchi Jjigae

A deeply savory Korean stew of tangy fermented kimchi, tender pork, silky tofu, and aromatic broth. A short simmer develops bold flavor while keeping the kimchi bright and pleasantly spicy.

45 min 4 servings Medium
All recipes

How to prepare

1
Warm a heavy 3-liter pot over medium heat. Add the sesame oil and pork belly, then cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is lightly browned and has rendered some fat.
2
Add the sliced onion and scallion whites. Saute for 2 minutes until the onion begins to soften, then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
3
Stir in the chopped kimchi, gochujang, and gochugaru. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring often, until the kimchi darkens slightly and the pepper paste coats the pork and vegetables.
Kimchi and pork cooking with red pepper paste in a pot AI-generated image
4
Pour in the hot vegetable stock and reserved kimchi brine, if using. Scrape the bottom of the pot, bring the broth to a lively boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer for 15 minutes.
5
Nestle the tofu slices into the simmering stew. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes without vigorous stirring, occasionally spooning broth over the tofu, until the broth is rich and the pork is tender.
6
Taste the broth and adjust only if needed; kimchi and gochujang vary in saltiness. Simmer for 1 more minute, scatter over the scallion greens, and serve immediately while bubbling hot.
Steaming bowl of kimchi jjigae with tofu, pork, and scallions AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

Pork fat rounds out kimchi’s acidity, while gochujang and gochugaru build layered heat. Simmering softens the kimchi and tofu while concentrating the broth without making the dish complicated.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cool the stew promptly, refrigerate it in a covered container, and use within 3 days. Keep rice separate.

How to reheat it

Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming throughout, about 8 minutes; add a splash of water if the broth has reduced. Do not repeatedly reheat the full batch.

Nutrition / serving

475kcal
14.49 gprotein
13.04 gcarbs
41.04 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 20 Aug 2026 · updated 21 Aug 2026