The key ingredient for this dish is obviously the fermented spicy napa cabbage (Kimchi). Tofu, mushroom, onions and meat are then added to complete this Kimchi stew. Beyond its pleasing taste, Kimchi Stew is also highly regarded for its potential health benefits. It is believed to aid digestion, boost the immune system, and promote overall well-being due to the probiotics and vitamins present in Kimchi. 

Recipe Notes:

• I used a whole Napa Cabbage Kimchi in this recipe and cut it rectangularly into 4cm size. You could use a readily cut Napa Cabbage Kimchi if you prefer.

• I used skinless pork belly strips in this recipe. You could substitute pork with beef, chicken or seafood if you prefer. You could also prepare this dish with vegetables only if you so desired.

• I used Mirin Japanese rice wine in this recipe. Mirin is a sweet rice wine used to flavor food. You could use Korean rice wine if this is available to you.

• I used soft Korean Soy Rich Tofu in this recipe. You could use any soft tofu that you prefer.

• I used King Oyster Mushroom in this recipe. You could use other fresh mushroom such as Shiitake, Enoki, Cremini or Portobello, which ever you prefer.

• I used Gochujang (Korean red chili paste) in this recipe. You could find this in an Asian grocery store or the Korean grocery store.

INGREDIENTS FOR KIMCHI STEW

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(Serves 4-6 peoples)

✅️ 400 Gm Kimchi, cut into 4cm rectangular size

✅️ 500 Gm Pork Belly Strips, cut into 3.5cm wide and 1.5cm thick

✅️ 300 Gm Soft Tofu, sliced into 1.5cm thick

✅️ ±150 Gm King Oyster Mushroom, sliced vertically

✅️ 3 Tbsp Rice Wine

✅️ ½ Tsp Ground Black Pepper

✅️ 1 Bulb Brown Onions, sliced thinly

✅️ 3 Stalks Spring Onion (white part only), chopped

✅️ 5 Cloves Garlic, minced

✅️ 1 Tbsp Korean Red Chili Paste (Gochujang)

✅️ 1 Tsp Soy Sauce

✅️ ½ Cup Kimchi Juice

✅️ 1 Cup Plain Water

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

1. Marinate the pork belly with the rice wine and the ground black pepper for 30 minutes while preparing the rest of the ingredients.

2. Mix Korean red chili paste with the soy sauce and minced garlic in a bowl and set aside.

3. Heat up a pot over MEDIUM heat. The pot is hot when water dropped into the pot is immediately evaporated. Spread the marinated pork belly in the hot pot and leave it for 30 seconds untouched. Stir fry the marinated pork belly over MEDIUM heat for 2 minutes. Add chopped spring onions and stir fry briefly for 30 seconds. Add plain water, Kimchi juice and the Kimchi prepared earlier into the pot. Spread the kimchi over the pork belly. Add the thinly sliced brown onions and spread them over the kimchi. Cover the pot with lid and let it simmer over LOW heat for 20 minutes.

4. After 20 minutes, remove the lid and stir the Kimchi mixture over MEDIUM heat to mix well. Arrange the prepared tofu over the Kimchi mixture but on one side of the pot. Arrange the sliced King Oyster Mushroom over the Kimchi mixture on the other side of the pot. Add the Korean red chili paste mixture prepared earlier and cover the pot with lid. Continue to simmer over LOW heat for another 10 minutes.

5. After 10 minutes, remove the lid and increase the heat to MEDIUM. Carefully spoon the gravy over the tofu and mushroom. Repeat this process for 1 minute. Garnish the Kimchi stew with thinly sliced spring onions and serve hot.

RECIPE PHOTO GALLERY