Kimchi Jjigae (Korean Kimchi Stew)
- 30 min
- Serves 2
- 15 ingredients
10 minutes to prep, 20 to cook. A hearty Korean kimchi stew that combines smoky beef, tangy kimchi, and spicy gochujang for a comforting, protein‑rich bowl. The broth is enriched with tofu and a hint of brown sugar for subtle sweetness, making it a low‑calorie yet satisfying dinner.
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Method
Slice the firm tofu into 1‑inch rectangles and set aside.
Thinly dice the green onions and thinly slice the yellow onion; set both aside separately.
Clean the shiitake mushrooms and slice them into thin strips.
Prepare the kimchi by cutting it into bite‑size pieces, reserving any liquid that comes out.
Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The kimchi pieces are bite-sized and its liquid is retained. Keep the released liquid for the stew.
Heat a small pot over medium‑high heat and give a light spray of oil to coat the bottom.
Add the sliced yellow onion and minced garlic to the pot; sauté for 2‑3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The onion turns translucent and the garlic smells fragrant. Stir so the garlic does not catch on the pot.
Introduce the thinly sliced beef brisket, stirring quickly; cook for about 2 minutes until the beef starts to brown.
Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The brisket starts to brown at the edges. Stir quickly to separate the slices.
Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and kimchi (including its juice) to the pot; stir and cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld.
Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The kimchi and mushrooms are hot and fragrant. Stir to coat them with the aromatics.
Pour in the chicken bone broth, the reserved kimchi juice, brown sugar, gochugaru, gochujang, and soy sauce. Stir well to dissolve the pastes.
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 8‑10 minutes, allowing the broth to thicken and the beef to become tender.
Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The broth thickens slightly and the beef becomes tender. Lower the heat once the mixture boils.
Gently add the tofu rectangles and the diced green onions to the pot; simmer for an additional 2 minutes to warm the tofu without breaking it apart.
Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The tofu is warmed through and remains intact. Fold it in gently to keep the pieces whole.
Taste the stew and season with salt or a splash more kimchi juice if additional saltiness or tang is desired.
Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the stew rest for 2 minutes so the flavors fully integrate.
Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The covered stew has settled and smells cohesive. Keep the lid on while it rests.
Serve the kimchi jjigae hot, directly from the pot or ladled into bowls, optionally garnished with extra green onion slices.
Tips while you cook
- Sauté aromatics first
- Cook the sliced onion and minced garlic for 2‑3 minutes until the onion turns translucent before adding other ingredients.
- Brown the beef briefly
- Stir the sliced beef brisket and cook for about 2 minutes until it starts to brown.
- Let the stew rest
- After turning off the heat, cover the pot and let the stew rest for 2 minutes.
Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.
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The recipe comes from Joe Chu’s Instagram reel. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.
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