Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)

The pot that was always bubbling on our stove.

Growing up, this was my mom’s love language. No matter what kind of day we had, that pot was there, filling our home with warmth. Now I make it for my own family, and every time, I think of her.

What You'll Need

Ingredients:

200g pork belly (about 7 oz) (Spam is a great substitute in a pinch)
2 cups kimchi
3–4 cloves garlic
½ medium onion
2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
2 cups water
Salt or fish sauce (optional, for seasoning)
Green onion for garnish

You'll also need:

A medium pot with a lid
A cutting board and knife
A spoon for stirring

Before You Start

Do all your prep first. It makes cooking so much easier.

Prep everything:

Cut the pork belly into bite-sized pieces (about 1 inch)

Mince the garlic cloves
Chop the kimchi into roughly ½-inch pieces

Slice the onion
Chop the green onion for topping

Set each ingredient aside in its own small bowl or pile. Now you’re ready to cook.

Let’s Cook

Step 1: Brown the pork
Put your pot on the stove over medium - high heat. Add the pork belly and garlic. Let them cook together, stirring occasionally, until the pork gets a little color and starts to smell amazing. This takes about 3 - 4 minutes.

Step 2: Add the onion
Toss in the sliced onion and stir everything together. Cook for about 1 minute, just until the onion starts to soften.

Step 3: Stir in the kimchi
Add your chopped kimchi to the pot. Stir everything together and let it cook for 2 - 3 minutes. This is where the magic starts. You’ll smell that tangy, savory kimchi mixing with the pork.

Step 4: Add the heat and liquid
Sprinkle in the gochugaru (red pepper flakes) and pour in the water. Stir everything together, then put the lid on your pot.

Step 5: Let it bubble
Turn the heat down to medium and let everything simmer for 10 minutes. You’ll hear it bubbling away - that’s exactly what you want.

Step 6: Taste and adjust
After 10 minutes, take off the lid and taste the broth. Does it need more salt? Kimchi varies in saltiness, so add salt or fish sauce if needed. Start with ½ teaspoon, stir, and taste again.

Step 7: Finish
Sprinkle the chopped green onion on top.