When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For me, it’s the heartwarming aroma of bubbling Kimchi Stew wafting through the kitchen. Imagine a rich, savory broth infused with tangy kimchi, tender chunks of meat, and vibrant vegetables, creating a delightful dance of flavors and textures. The first sip warms your soul, while the heat from the spices tickles your taste buds and leaves you yearning for more. For more inspiration, check out this thick and chewy caramel coconut cookies recipe.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make It Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What type of kimchi is best for kimchi stew?
- Can I make kimchi stew vegetarian?
- How spicy is kimchi stew usually?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Kimchi Stew is not just a dish; it’s an experience that evokes memories of cozy family gatherings and late-night chats over steaming bowls. This stew makes its presence known during cold winter nights or when you need a pick-me-up after a long day. flavorful frogmore stew spicy and flavorful chili Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will have you dreaming of future meals before you’ve even finished the first bowl!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Kimchi Stew recipe offers effortless preparation with minimal cleanup required
- Each bite bursts with flavor from the perfect blend of spices and ingredients
- Its vibrant colors make it a showstopper on any dinner table
- Enjoy it as a main course or paired with rice for a complete meal
I still remember the first time I made Kimchi Stew—my friends couldn’t get enough! Their happy faces were priceless moments worth capturing.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious cabbage kielbasa soup. quick cabbage and kielbasa dish.
- Kimchi: Use well-fermented kimchi for the best flavor; it adds depth and spiciness to the stew.
- Beef or Pork: Choose your favorite cut; I prefer beef shank for its tenderness after slow cooking.
- Tofu: Firm tofu works best here; it absorbs flavors while adding texture to the stew.
- Green Onions: These add freshness and color; chop them finely for a beautiful garnish.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic brings out the rich flavors in the broth; minced is preferable for maximum impact.
- Ginger: A small piece will elevate the dish’s warmth with its aromatic qualities.
- Sesame Oil: This oil adds depth; drizzle it in at the end for an extra nutty flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust these based on your spice tolerance; they’ll provide that signature kick!
For the Broth:
- Chicken Stock or Water: Use low-sodium stock to control saltiness while enhancing flavors.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to balance flavors without overpowering them.
- Sugar: Just a pinch helps round out all those bold flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Start by preparing your base: In a large pot over medium heat, add sesame oil and let it heat up until fragrant. Toss in minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until they release their aromatic goodness into the air.
Add your chosen meat: Once your aromatics are golden brown, introduce beef or pork to the pot. Cook until browned on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step builds layers of flavor that are essential for any great stew.
Incorporate kimchi: Now comes the fun part! Stir in chopped kimchi along with red pepper flakes—this will start infusing that amazing spicy tang into your stew. Cook this mixture for about 3-4 minutes until everything melds together beautifully.
Pour in liquids: Add chicken stock or water along with soy sauce and sugar. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to let it simmer gently for at least 30 minutes. This is when magic happens—flavors deepen and become irresistible.
Introduce tofu: After simmering, gently fold in cubed firm tofu and cook for another 10-15 minutes. The tofu absorbs all those wonderful flavors while adding heartiness to every bite.
Finish with garnishes: Finally, top off each bowl with chopped green onions before serving hot! You can also drizzle on some extra sesame oil if you’re feeling fancy—it enhances flavor even more!
Enjoy your Kimchi Stew! Your kitchen will smell divine and you’ll be savoring every last drop!
You Must Know
- Kimchi stew isn’t just a dish; it’s a warm hug in a bowl
- The rich, spicy aroma fills your kitchen and makes it hard to resist
- This stew is perfect for chilly nights or when you need a flavor boost
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing your protein and vegetables first to enhance their flavors, then add the kimchi and broth for a deliciously balanced stew. For more inspiration, check out this delicious garlic butter green beans recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this dish! Swap tofu for meat, use different veggies, or try adding some noodles for extra comfort.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover kimchi stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to preserve flavors.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect kimchi stew, always taste as you go; adjust seasoning based on your preferences
- Letting the stew simmer longer enhances the flavors remarkably
- Using aged kimchi gives a richer flavor profile that truly elevates this dish
There was one cozy winter evening when I decided to impress my friends with homemade kimchi stew. As soon as they entered my kitchen, they were greeted by a mouthwatering aroma that instantly brightened their spirits and turned our night into a fun culinary adventure.
FAQ
What type of kimchi is best for kimchi stew?
Use aged kimchi; it adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the stew.
Can I make kimchi stew vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just replace meat with tofu and use vegetable broth for a hearty vegan option.
How spicy is kimchi stew usually?
Spiciness varies based on the kimchi used; feel free to adjust chili paste to your liking.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Kimchi Stew
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Kimchi Stew is a soul-soothing dish that brings warmth and comfort to any dining experience. This hearty stew features a robust broth infused with tangy kimchi, tender meat, and vibrant vegetables, creating an irresistible combination of flavors that will leave you craving more. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a delightful pick-me-up, this recipe can be effortlessly prepared in one pot, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups well-fermented kimchi
- 1 lb beef shank (or pork)
- 1 cup firm tofu, cubed
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add beef or pork; cook until browned on all sides (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in kimchi and red pepper flakes; cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in chicken stock, soy sauce, and sugar; bring to a boil then simmer for at least 30 minutes.
- Gently add cubed tofu; simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg