Pork Kimchi Jjim Recipe: The Ultimate Guide for a Delicious Korean Braised Pork

 

Pork Kimchi Jjim Recipe: The Ultimate Guide for a Delicious Korean Braised Pork and Kimchi Dish

Pork Kimchi Jjim, or Braised Pork with Kimchi, is a beloved Korean dish known for its rich flavors and comforting warmth. Made by slow-cooking well-fermented kimchi with tender pork, this dish is packed with bold, spicy flavors that blend perfectly with the savory taste of pork. In this guide, we’ll go into detail on the ingredients, preparation, cooking techniques, and tips to ensure you achieve the perfect Pork Kimchi Jjim at home.

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1. Overview of Pork Kimchi Jjim

Pork Kimchi Jjim is a traditional Korean stew that brings together aged kimchi and juicy pork in a flavorful, slow-cooked braise. This dish is widely loved for its deep, tangy flavor that comes from well-aged kimchi, which combines with the tender, savory pork to create a memorable meal. Known for being a popular Korean comfort food, it’s enjoyed during family gatherings or as a satisfying meal on cold days.


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2. Essential Ingredients for Pork Kimchi Jjim

Main Ingredients

1. Aged Kimchi: 500g (1/2 head of kimchi) – Well-fermented kimchi provides a deep and rich flavor.


2. Pork: 500g – Pork belly or shoulder is recommended due to the rich, fatty flavor it imparts.


3. Onion: 1 large, sliced thickly


4. Green Onion: 1 stalk, cut into 2-3 inch pieces


5. Chili Peppers: 1-2 (optional for added spice)


6. Water or Anchovy Broth: Enough to cover the ingredients (approximately 3 cups)

Seasoning Ingredients

1. Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes): 2 tbsp


2. Minced Garlic: 1 tbsp


3. Soy Sauce: 2 tbsp


4. Doenjang (Korean soybean paste): 1 tsp (adds a deeper umami flavor)


5. Sugar: 1/2 tbsp (balances the acidity of kimchi)



Preparation of Ingredients

1. Preparing the Pork: Cut the pork into large, even-sized pieces so it cooks evenly. Pork belly is particularly popular for this dish because it adds a rich flavor.


2. Preparing the Kimchi: Use aged or “ripe” kimchi, as it will have a deeper, tangier taste. Roughly chop it if needed, or leave in larger pieces for a more rustic presentation.


3. Vegetables: Slice onions thickly for a soft texture once cooked, and cut green onions into longer pieces.




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3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pork Kimchi Jjim

Step 1: Marinate the Pork

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the pork with minced garlic, soy sauce, 1 tbsp of gochugaru, and 1 tsp of doenjang.


2. Mix well and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the pork to absorb the flavors.



Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in a Pot

1. In a heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven, place the marinated pork at the bottom.


2. Layer the aged kimchi on top of the pork. By layering, the flavors meld together better as they cook.


3. Add the thickly sliced onions and green onions over the kimchi. If using chili peppers, add them now.



Step 3: Add Water or Broth and Additional Seasoning

1. Pour enough water or anchovy broth to cover the ingredients (about 3 cups is typically sufficient).


2. Add the remaining gochugaru and sugar to the pot. This extra gochugaru enhances the color and spiciness of the stew.



Step 4: Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer

1. Turn the heat to high and bring the pot to a boil.


2. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer with the lid slightly ajar for at least 1 hour. The low heat and slow cooking help tenderize the pork and deepen the flavors.



Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

1. After about an hour, check the seasoning of the stew. Add a little salt or soy sauce if needed, based on your taste.


2. Once the pork is tender and the kimchi has softened, your Pork Kimchi Jjim is ready to be served.




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4. Tips for Making the Best Pork Kimchi Jjim

1. Use Aged Kimchi: The tangy, rich taste of well-fermented kimchi is essential for achieving authentic flavor. If your kimchi is too fresh, you can add a little extra vinegar to enhance the acidity.


2. Add Doenjang: Adding a small amount of doenjang gives the stew a savory, umami depth.


3. Control Spiciness: Adjust the heat level by adding or reducing gochugaru and chili peppers to suit your preference.


4. Use Anchovy Broth: Anchovy broth adds a savory depth that complements the pork and kimchi. If you don’t have anchovy broth, water works as a substitute, though the flavor will be lighter.


5. Simmer Slowly: Slow simmering allows the pork to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully, so patience is key to a successful Pork Kimchi Jjim.




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5. Side Dishes that Pair Well with Pork Kimchi Jjim

Pork Kimchi Jjim is a rich dish, so it pairs well with refreshing or light side dishes that help balance its flavors.

Lettuce and Perilla Leaves: Use the leaves to wrap the pork and kimchi for a refreshing taste.

Bean Sprout Salad (Kongnamul Muchim): The crunchy texture of bean sprouts adds a nice contrast to the stew.

Radish Salad (Mu Saengchae): A tangy radish salad complements the rich flavors of the stew.

Steamed Rice: Serve with a bowl of hot steamed rice to enjoy with the stew.

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6. How to Store and Reuse Leftover Pork Kimchi Jjim

Storage Tips

1. Store leftover Pork Kimchi Jjim in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.


2. Reheat it in a pot over medium heat until it’s heated through. You may need to add a little water if the stew has thickened in the fridge.



Ideas for Reusing Leftovers

1. Kimchi Jjigae: Add extra water, tofu, and a bit of gochugaru to create a flavorful kimchi stew.


2. Kimchi Fried Rice: Use the leftover pork and kimchi to make a delicious fried rice. Just chop the pork and kimchi into smaller pieces, then stir-fry with rice and a dash of soy sauce.


3. Spicy Noodle Soup: Add the leftover stew to a pot with some noodles and additional broth to make a spicy kimchi noodle soup.




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7. Conclusion

Pork Kimchi Jjim is a flavorful, comforting dish that brings together the best of Korean cooking techniques and flavors. With aged kimchi, tender pork, and a variety of seasonings, this dish is perfect for family meals or gatherings. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a cozy night at home, Pork Kimchi Jjim is sure to satisfy.