Kimchi beef stew, also known as “kimchi jjigae” in Korean, has a long and rich history in Korean cuisine. Kimchi itself is a staple in Korean households and is made by fermenting vegetables, most commonly cabbage, with a variety of seasonings. The combination of kimchi and beef in a stew is a marriage of flavors that has been enjoyed for generations. Kimchi beef stew is known for its bold and complex flavors, thanks to the fermented kimchi and the addition of various spices. It is a dish that is deeply rooted in Korean culture and is often enjoyed as a comforting meal during cold winter months.
Why would you love this recipe for making kimchi beef stew?
This Korean-inspired dish combines the tangy and spicy flavors of kimchi with tender beef and a medley of vegetables, creating a dish that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. Not only is this stew incredibly satisfying, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll be able to whip up this delicious dish in no time. The key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors lies in the quality of ingredients and the slow cooking process. As the stew simmers on the stovetop, the flavors meld together, resulting in a rich and comforting broth that will warm you up from the inside out. So, grab your apron and get ready to indulge in a bowl of savory kimchi beef stew that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 80g kimchi
- 3 spoon of Gochujang sauce （Korean hot sauce）
- 1 spoon of sugar
- 10g black pepper
- 1 spoon of soy sauce
- 150g beef
- 100g flammulina enoki
- 100g tofu
- 1 egg
- 4 cups of water
- 1 green onion
- 1 red chili pepper
Directions
step 1
Start by preparing the beef. Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.
step 2
Marinate the beef with 1 spoon of soy sauce, 1spoon of vegetable oil and 1 spoon of corn starch.
step 3
Chop the tofu and onions, mince the garlic, cut the flammulina enoki, and chop the green onion, red and green chilli peppers. Drain the kimchi and reserve the kimchi juice.
step 4
Prepare the stew seasoning in a bowl. Add 1 spoon of soy sauce, 3 spoon of gochujang, 1 spoon of sugar and 1 cup of water to the bowl, adjusting the quantities to suit your taste preferences.
step 5
Heat a large pot over medium heat and add vegetable oil and a drizzle of sesame oil. Add the onions and garlic to the pot and sauté until they become fragrant and slightly caramelized. Add the kimchi and continue to sauté until they become tender. Pour in the reserved kimchi juice and stir well to combine.
step 6
Pour in 3 - 4 cups of water to the same pot and add the gochugaru seasoning to the pot. Wait for the boiling.
step 7
Add the beef, mushroom and tofu into the pot, ensuring that the ingredients are fully submerged.Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
step 8
Drop one egg into the stew and let it harden slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions and red chilli peppers. Ladle the kimchi beef stew into bowls and enjoy the spicy and flavorful kimchi beef stew while it's still warm.
Kimchi beef stew is a dish that brings together the bold and spicy flavors of kimchi with tender beef and a medley of vegetables. With its rich and comforting broth, it’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly day. Your taste buds will thank you!
Pro Tips
- Use well-fermented kimchi: The quality of the kimchi will greatly impact the flavor of the stew. Look for kimchi that has been fermented for at least a few weeks for the best results.
- Adjust the level of spiciness: If you prefer a milder stew, you can reduce the amount of gochujang and gochugaru. Likewise, if you like it extra spicy, feel free to add more.
- Let it simmer: The longer you let the stew simmer, the more the flavors will develop and meld together. Aim for at least 30 minutes of simmering, but if you have the time, let it simmer for even longer.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Steamed Rice: Kimchi beef stew pairs perfectly with steamed rice. The fluffy rice absorbs the flavorful broth, creating a satisfying and comforting combination.
- Crusty Bread: If you prefer a heartier meal, serve the stew with crusty bread. The bread can be used to soak up the flavorful broth and adds a delightful texture to each bite.
- Banchan (Korean Side Dishes): In Korean cuisine, it is common to serve banchan alongside the main dish. Banchan refers to a variety of small side dishes that are meant to be shared. Some popular banchan dishes that pair well with kimchi beef stew include pickled vegetables, kimchi pancakes, and marinated tofu.
- Fresh Salad: For a lighter option, serve the stew with a fresh salad. The crisp and refreshing flavors of the salad provide a nice contrast to the rich and spicy stew.
Variations and Additions
- Seafood Kimchi Stew: Replace the beef with your favorite seafood, such as shrimp, clams, or squid. The combination of seafood and kimchi creates a delightful and briny flavor.
- Vegetarian Kimchi Stew: Omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add tofu and other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and spinach for a hearty and vegetarian-friendly version of the stew.
- Kimchi Stew with Noodles: Add cooked noodles, such as udon or ramen noodles, to the stew. This variation adds a comforting and filling element to the dish.
Storing and Preserving kimchi beef stew
- Storage: Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat the stew, transfer it to a pot and heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until heated through.
Top Questions
what kind of beef to use?
While there are several options, such as brisket or short ribs, the best choice is usually beef chuck. This cut of meat is marbled with fat, which adds richness and tenderness to the stew. It also holds up well during the long cooking process, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth beef that is full of flavor.
Can you make kimchi beef stew can be made vegetarian or vegan? While traditional kimchi beef stew is made with meat, there are certainly ways to adapt the recipe to suit dietary preferences. For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the beef with tofu or mushrooms for a protein-packed alternative. If you’re vegan, make sure to use kimchi that doesn’t contain any fish sauce or shrimp paste. With a few simple modifications, everyone can enjoy the bold and mouthwatering flavors of kimchi beef stew.
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