Bowl of Pork & Kimchi Stew
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Pork & Kimchi Stew


Korea   -   Kimchi-JJigae

Makes:
Effort:
Sched:
DoAhead:  
8 cups
***
1-1/4 hr
Yes
An excellent, flavorful stew featuring light sourness and crunch from Kimchi, richness from Pork Belly, and moderate Chili heat.

1
1
1/3
8
6
4
1
1
2
2-1/2
2/3
-------
1

#
#
c
oz
oz

T
T
t
c
t
---

Pork Belly (1)
Kimchi (2)
Kimchi Juice
Tofu, firm (3)
Onion
Scallions
Gochujang (4)
Chili Flake (5)
Sesame Oil, dark  
Anchovy Stock (6)
Salt
-- Garnish
Scallion

Do Ahead   -   (45 min - 8 min work)
  1. Make Anchovy Stock if you don't have it (or another suitable Stock) on hand (see Note-6).
Prep   -   (35 min)
  1. Slice PORK BELLY across into pieces about 3/8 inch wide by the thickness of the Pork Belly Slices (1/2 to 3/4 inch ) and as long as the width of the Pork Belly Slices (1 to 2 inches). Each piece should have some skin at one end.
  2. Cut KIMCHI into pieces around 1 inch square. Mix with Kimchi Juice.
  3. Cut TOFU into pieces about 1/2 inch thick and 3/4 inch on a side.
  4. Slice ONION in half lengthwise, and each half lengthwise into halves of thirds depending on size. Slice crosswise about 1/8 inch wide.
  5. Slice SCALLIONS diagonally about 1/4 inch wide.
  6. For Garnish, Slice 1 SCALLION crosswise about 1/4 inch.
Run   -   (50 min)
  1. In a coverable 3 quart sauté pan or similar, combine All Items - Except Tofu. Bring to a boil, cover and hold at a fast simmer for about 12 minutes.
  2. Stir Stew and scatter Tofu over the top. Bring back to a boil, then cover and hold at a fast simmer another 15 minutes.
  3. Serve hot, garnished with Scallion and accompanied by plenty of Steamed Medium Grain (California) Rice.
NOTES:
  1. Pork Belly:

      This should be sliced 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick, skin-on. Other cuts of Pork can be used, but with loss of flavor and richness. Do Not Fear the Pork Belly - the Low-Fat Diet has been thoroughly discredited, and saturated fats do not clog arteries. For details see our Pork Belly page.
  2. Kimchi:

      This should be a well fermented Nappa Cabbage Kimchi. Quality is very important, see our Kimchi / Kimchee page for hints on getting the best.
  3. Tofu:

      This should be Firm, not Extra Firm. Regular Medium can also be used.
  4. Gochujang:

      This is the ever present Korean Hot Pepper Paste, which is only moderately hot, being cut with rice flour or some other flour and syrups. Available at most Asian markets in tubs from 1 pound on up. For details ails see our Gochujang Chili Paste page.
  5. Chili Flake:

      This should be Korean chili flake, which is not excessively hot. For details see our Korean / Japanese Chilis page.
  6. Anchovy Stock:

      I prefer our Anchovy Vegetable Stock, but other low salt stocks can also be used.
  7. U.S. measure: t=teaspoon, T=Tablespoon, c=cup, qt=quart, oz=ounce, #=pound, cl=clove in=inch, ar=as required tt=to taste
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