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Flavorful Spicy Kimchi Jjigae Stew with Silken Tofu and Pork Belly

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A comforting Korean stew featuring crispy pork belly, well-fermented kimchi, and silky tofu simmered in a spicy, savory broth. Perfect for cozy nights and quick dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces pork belly, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup kimchi (240 grams), preferably well-fermented
  • 1 block silken tofu (about 12 ounces or 340 grams), drained and cut into large cubes
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced or grated
  • 2 stalks green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 3 cups water or anchovy broth (720 ml)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Optional: handful of sliced mushrooms

Instructions

  1. Slice pork belly into bite-sized pieces and pat dry.
  2. Heat a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add pork belly pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fat renders and edges crisp.
  3. Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add kimchi and cook for 3-4 minutes to soften and deepen flavor.
  5. Sprinkle in gochugaru, soy sauce, and optional sugar; stir well.
  6. Pour in water or anchovy broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes.
  7. Gently add silken tofu cubes and simmer for another 5 minutes without breaking tofu.
  8. Drizzle toasted sesame oil and sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Stir gently and remove from heat.
  9. Serve immediately with steamed rice.

Notes

Render pork belly fat thoroughly for best flavor. Use well-fermented kimchi for depth. Handle silken tofu gently to avoid breaking. Adjust spice level gradually. For vegetarian version, omit pork and use mushroom broth with firm tofu. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: kimchi jjigae, spicy stew, Korean stew, pork belly, silken tofu, comfort food, gochugaru, fermented kimchi

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/flavorful-spicy-kimchi-jjigae-stew-with-silken-tofu-and-pork-belly-recipe-to-try-today/