Easy Kimchi Stew Recipe (Jjigae) With Pork and Tofu (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between kimchi jjigae and tofu stew? ›

Kimchi jjigae is a kimchi-based stew served with blocks of firm tofu, and, usually, small pieces of pork, whether pork belly or pork shoulder. On the other hand, soondubu jjigae, or sundubu jjigae, is a soft tofu stew, made by simmering silken tofu, assorted vegetables, and chopped kimchi in a spicy broth.

Kimchi can be found in almost every Korean household. It is possible to buy kimchi jars in most supermarkets and online sites. Kimchi offers multiple health benefits and maintains the overall health of the body. It is often recommended to include kimchi in your daily diet.

Kimchi jjim (or kimchijjim, 김치찜) is a braised kimchi dish. It's typically made with pork, but you can use other meat if you like. In Korea, kimchi jjim made with mackerel is also popular. Because the kimchi is slow braised, this recipe uses less liquid than the amount used for kimchi jjigae (stew).

Thicker and saltier than soup, jjigae contains more solid ingredients than guk. The ratio of liquid to solid ingredients is around 4:6. Unlike guk, the key component of jjigae is the solid ingredients such as vegetables, tofu, fish or meat. It is common practice for families to share a pot of jjigae.

You can serve Kimchi Jjigae with a bowl of hot steamed rice and some meat or fish (such as Bulgogi or Grilled Mackerel).

Long-time fermented kimchi is going to have a sour, rich, and strong taste, which is perfect for making flavorful dishes such as kimchi tofu soup. Fermented kimchi is also loaded with good bacteria, which can help you maintain a healthy digestion.

Kimchi spoilage and over-fermentation

It will continue to ferment at a cool temperature. If kimchi over-ferments, it will have a very vinegary odor and taste. It is not pleasant to eat raw, so it is often used for soups and stews. If any fermentation gets soft and slimy, then it is a sign of spoilage.

What happens when you eat too much kimchi? Since kimchi is fermented and spicy, you might experience uncomfortable gastric repercussions. Usually those with IBS or other gastrointestinal issues are more prone to sensitivity, especially since kimchi is also spicy.

Along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, kimchi contains natural probiotic bacteria. If you eat them regularly, the probiotics in fermented foods can be beneficial to your gut microbiome. Studies suggest that eating kimchi on a daily basis could help to improve some digestive problems.

To get your kimchi started, you'll need a head of cabbage. Green or napa cabbage will work just fine. Thinly slice the cabbage along with some green onions, leeks, and a sweet bell pepper. Toss all of these veggies into a large mixing bowl.

What does jjigae mean in Korean? ›

Jjigae (Korean: 찌개, Korean pronunciation: [tɕ͈iɡɛ]) are Korean stews.

Nutrition Facts per Serving:

Protein: 37 grams. Carbohydrate: 49.5 grams. Saturated Fat: 3.6 grams. Cholesterol: 246 milligrams.

In a video uploaded to his Instagram account, he insists over a still-sizzling bowl of kimchi jjigae that you should never "put rice into the jjigae," as you should be taking a spoonful on its own before chasing it down with anything else.

What is Kimchi Soup Kimchi soup (kimchi guk, 김치국) is a staple Korean soup made with kimchi. The name of kimchi soup can vary based on other ingredients you put in the soup.

Some of you may wonder about the difference between Korean soups (guk) and stews (jjigae). In general, guk has a higher ratio of liquid to solid ingredients, resulting in a thinner consistency. Jjigae is thicker and has more concentrated flavors.

As mentioned, Cheonggukjang is fermented for only a few days. But Doenjang is fermented for much longer, typically for a month or longer.

Sundubu jjigae is a Korean stew made with soft (uncurdled) tofu as a highlight ingredient. There are a few different ways to make sundubu jjigae using different ingredients (e.g. kimchi, minced pork and seafood) but by far my favorite version is the seafood version known as Haemul Sundubu Jjigae (해물 순두부 찌개).