Easy Kimchi Stew Recipe (Jjigae) With Pork and Tofu (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between kimchi jjigae and tofu stew? ›

The main ingredient in kimchi jjigae is kimchi, hence the name 'kimchi stew'. In soondubu jjigae, however, the main ingredient is the soft and silky tofu, hence the name 'extra soft tofu stew'. In terms of flavor, soondubu jjigae has a more delicate flavor than kimchi jjigae.

If pork belly is not available, use a cut of pork that has some fat like pork shoulder or pork butt. Some people even use Spam or bacon.

Kimchi-jjigae (Korean: 김치찌개) or kimchi stew is a jjigae, or stew-like Korean dish, made with kimchi and other ingredients, such as pork, scallions, onions, and diced tofu. It is one of the most common stews in Korean cuisine.

Along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, kimchi contains natural probiotic bacteria. If you eat them regularly, the probiotics in fermented foods can be beneficial to your gut microbiome. Studies suggest that eating kimchi on a daily basis could help to improve some digestive problems.

Nutrition Facts per Serving:

Calories: 596. Protein: 37 grams. Carbohydrate: 49.5 grams. Saturated Fat: 3.6 grams.

Kimchi stew is thicker than kimchi soup. Kimchi soup is less salty than kimchi stew. Also, soup is always served in individual bowls, with rice. Traditionally in Korean cuisine stews were served in a big pot on the table, and the family would eat communally from the pot.

Thicker and saltier than soup, jjigae contains more solid ingredients than guk. The ratio of liquid to solid ingredients is around 4:6. Unlike guk, the key component of jjigae is the solid ingredients such as vegetables, tofu, fish or meat. It is common practice for families to share a pot of jjigae.

Kimchi Jjigae vs Soondubu

Soondubu has a much softer and fluffier texture from the silken tofu and the egg that gets cracked in at the end. Kimchi jjigae uses firm tofu that doesn't break down in the stew, and uses a lot more kimchi which is the predominant flavor.

Kimchi jjigae is a kimchi-based stew served with blocks of firm tofu, and, usually, small pieces of pork, whether pork belly or pork shoulder. On the other hand, soondubu jjigae, or sundubu jjigae, is a soft tofu stew, made by simmering silken tofu, assorted vegetables, and chopped kimchi in a spicy broth.

You may have heard kimchi being called a superfood because of its nutrition. Its main ingredients are vegetables, which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Cabbage is packed with vitamin K, which helps your blood clot and keeps your bones from becoming brittle.

Is kimchi stew good when sick? ›

There are as many reasons to include kimchi in your winter wellness arsenal as there are ingredients. Cabbage is loaded with vitamin C and phytonutrients. Crushed garlic, thought to have decongestant properties, contains powerful antioxidants linked to boosting the immune system and reducing infection.

Jjigae (Korean: 찌개, Korean pronunciation: [tɕ͈iɡɛ]) are Korean stews.

It's one of the most popular stews in Korea and is featured at many meals and in traditional restaurants. There's just one thing to keep in mind when you're planning to make kimchi jjigae—it is spicy. Really, really spicy. That's why it's served with a lot of white rice, to help balance out all that heat.

Soondubu has a much softer and fluffier texture from the silken tofu and the egg that gets cracked in at the end. Kimchi jjigae uses firm tofu that doesn't break down in the stew, and uses a lot more kimchi which is the predominant flavor.

Kimchi soup, called jjigae, is a satisfying example. The fermented kimchi vegetables quickly provide deep flavor to the broth, so the soup can be produced in little more than half an hour.

Soondubu jjigae has several health benefits. It's full of vegetables, offering a range of healthy nutrients, while tofu is packed full of protein. A bowl of tofu soup is surprisingly low calorie if it's vegetarian or vegan, although you should be mindful of the amount of oil you add to the broth.