HOW TO PREPARE KOREAN STEW.

Korean stews, or “jjigae,” are popular in Korean cuisine. One of the most renowned jjigae is “Kimchi Jjigae” (kimchi stew). Here’s a basic recipe for Kimchi Jjigae:

Ingredients:
2 cups of ripe (aged) kimchi, chopped
300g of pork belly or beef (optional), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 onion, sliced
2 green onions, sliced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of sesame oil
1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes (gochugaru), adjust to taste
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of sugar (optional)
1 tablespoon of gochujang (Korean red pepper paste, optional)
1 block of tofu, cut into cubes (optional)
4 cups of water or anchovy/kelp stock (for better flavor)
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Preparation: If you’re using meat, marinate it with a bit of soy sauce, minced garlic, and sesame oil for about 20 minutes.

Cooking Meat (if using): In a large pot, heat up a bit of sesame oil and cook the pork belly or beef until browned.

Adding Kimchi: Add the chopped kimchi to the pot and stir-fry it with the meat for a few minutes until it’s a bit caramelized and fragrant.

Seasoning: Add the red pepper flakes (gochugaru), soy sauce, sugar, and gochujang (if you’re using it). Stir everything together for a consistent mix.

Broth/Water: Pour in the water or anchovy/kelp stock. Bring the stew to a boil.

Onions and Tofu: Once boiling, add the sliced onions and tofu cubes. Let it simmer on medium heat for about 15-20 minutes.

Final Touches: Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Depending on how sour or seasoned your kimchi is, you might need to add more salt or soy sauce. Lastly, add the sliced green onions.

Serve: Serve the stew hot with a bowl of steamed rice on the side.

Note: You can also add other ingredients such as mushrooms, canned tuna instead of pork, or other vegetables based on personal preference.

There are many variations of jjigae in Korean cuisine (e.g., sundubu jjigae, doenjang jjigae, etc.), and each has its unique preparation method. Adjust this recipe based on your tastes and what ingredients you have available! Enjoy!