Alternative names Kimchi stew Main ingredients Kimchi | Type Jjigae Place of origin Korea | |
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Similar Jjigae, Kimchi, Doenjang‑jjigae, Samgyeopsal, Bulgogi | ||
Kimchi stew kimchi jjigae
Kimchi-jjigae (김치찌개) or kimchi stew is a jjigae, or stew-like Korean dish, made with kimchi and other ingredients, such as scallions, onions, diced tofu, pork, and seafood. (Pork and seafood are generally not used in the same recipe.) It is one of the most common jjigae in Korea.
Contents
Kimchi stew kimchi jjigae and a bean sprout side dish
History
Kimchi is known to have been eaten as pickled vegetables and only became the kimchi known today in the mid-Joseon era, when chili peppers were first introduced to the country. Kimchi jjigae is assumed to have been developed around this time, as well.
Preparation and serving
Kimchi jjigae is often cooked in Korean homes using older, more fermented and "ripe" kimchi, creating a much stronger taste and containing higher amounts of "good" bacteria (also found in yogurt). (Living bacteria in fresh, uncooked kimchi will not survive the cooking process.) The stew is said to be more flavorful if prepared with older kimchi, while fresh kimchi may not bring out a full and rich flavor. Kimchi is the most important ingredient in kimchi jjigae. Other ingredients depend on personal preferences.
Sliced kimchi is put into a pot with beef, pork, or seafood; tofu; sliced spring onions; and garlic. They are boiled with water or myeolchi (anchovy) stock. The stew is seasoned with doenjang (bean paste) or gochujang (red pepper paste).
Like many other Korean dishes, kimchi jjigae is usually eaten communally from the center of the table if more than two people are served. It is accompanied by banchan (side dishes) and rice. It is usually cooked and served boiling hot in a stone pot.
Varieties
Besides the standard ingredients of beef, pork, or chicken, some varieties are called by their particular names.
