How to Make the Perfect Kimchi Jjim
Korean · Easy · 55 min · 4 servings
Kimchi Jjim is a braised kimchi and pork dish that becomes wonderfully mild and sweet during slow cooking making it surprisingly kid friendly. Parents who worry about spicy food will find that the long braising time mellows the kimchi into a rich and flavorful stew children enjoy.
Why this recipe works
This Kimchi Jjim recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 55 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 390 calories with 25g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 500 g well fermented kimchi
- 400 g pork belly or pork ribs
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Cut kimchi into large bite sized pieces and cut pork into 4 cm chunks. Well fermented older kimchi works best for this dish as it has a deeper and richer flavor.
Step 2: Layer the Pot
Place pork pieces in the bottom of a heavy pot and top with kimchi and any kimchi juice. Add water, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic on top of the kimchi.
Step 3: Braise Low and Slow
Bring to a boil over medium high heat then reduce to low heat and cover. Simmer for 40 to 45 minutes until pork is completely tender and the braising liquid has reduced and thickened.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more sugar or soy sauce as needed. Serve hot over a bowl of steamed white rice which soaks up the delicious braising liquid.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- pork belly → tofu cubes for a vegetarian version that absorbs the braising liquid beautifully
- well fermented kimchi → store bought kimchi cooked down longer to develop similar depth
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using fresh kimchi which does not have enough sourness to create the rich braised flavor
- Cooking on too high heat which dries out the liquid before the pork becomes tender
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 390 calories, 25g protein, 12g carbs, 26g fat, 3g fiber.
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