Top Korean Dish 1. Kimchi Stew

Kimchi stew is one of the essential dishes that comes to mind when talking about Korean food. Kimchi stew is a dish loved by many for its deep, rich flavor and abundant nutrition. In this article, we will explore the history, ingredients, cooking method, and why kimchi stew is so special.

History of Kimchi Stew

The history of kimchi stew is deeply intertwined with the history of kimchi itself. Kimchi is a dish that boasts a history of over 1,500 years in Korea. Its current form evolved particularly during the Joseon Dynasty. Among the various dishes that utilize kimchi, kimchi stew has established itself as an indispensable staple on Korean tables due to its deliciousness and nutritional value.

Ingredients for Kimchi Stew

A few basic ingredients are necessary for making kimchi stew. Naturally, the most crucial ingredient is kimchi. It's typical to use aged kimchi, as it yields a deeper flavor. Additional ingredients include pork, tofu, onion, green onion, garlic, etc. While each household might use slightly different ingredients, these are typically included.

Kimchi: 300g aged kimchi
Pork: 200g
Tofu: Half a block
Onion: 1
Green onion: 1
Garlic: 3 cloves
Red pepper powder: 1 tablespoon
Doenjang (fermented soybean paste): 1 teaspoon
Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
Salt: A pinch
Water: 3 cups

Cooking Method for Kimchi Stew

While making kimchi stew is relatively straightforward, a few tips are essential for achieving the perfect taste.

Preparing the Ingredients: First, slice the pork into bite-sized pieces. Cut the onion and tofu into convenient sizes. Slice the kimchi into suitable pieces.
Making Broth: Fill a pot with water and add broth ingredients (e.g., anchovies, kelp). Bring to a boil. Remove the solids after the broth boils.
Sautéing Pork: Add pork to the pot, season with a bit of salt and pepper, and sauté. As the meat cooks, add the kimchi and sauté together.
Boiling the Stew: Pour the broth into the sautéed kimchi and pork. Adjust the seasoning with doenjang, red pepper powder, and soy sauce. Then, add the onion and tofu and bring to a boil.
Completion: When all ingredients are fully cooked, add the green onion and garlic. Simmer a bit more before turning off the heat.

The Charm of Kimchi Stew

Kimchi stew is more than just a dish; it's deeply connected to the lives of Koreans. Kimchi stew is a frequent home-cooked meal and an indispensable part of Korean daily life. Moreover, kimchi stew is a dish made using kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented food, allowing us to enjoy the health benefits of fermented foods.

Another alluring aspect of kimchi stew lies in its diversity. Each household and region prepares kimchi stew slightly differently, resulting in a wide range of flavors. Some families might add tuna, while others might include seafood to add a refreshing flavor. Kimchi stew is a dish that allows for endless variations based on individual preferences and creativity.

Cultural Significance of Kimchi Stew

Kimchi stew is not simply a dish; it encapsulates Korean sentiments and culture. Gathering as a family to share kimchi stew strengthens familial bonds. Additionally, kimchi stew utilizes seasonal ingredients from Korea, allowing for diverse flavors throughout the year. For instance, aged kimchi is used in winter to create a deep flavor, while fresh ingredients are used in summer to create a refreshing taste.

Kimchi Stew Restaurants Recommended by Algorithms - TOP 5

1. Eunjujeong

Located in Jung-gu, Seoul, Eunjujeong is a place where you can enjoy kimchi stew for lunch and pork belly with kimchi stew for dinner. Their signature dish, "Kimchi Stew for Wrapping," features aged kimchi and domestic pork simmered until tender, served for wrapping in lettuce, boasting a deep flavor.​​​​

Address: 32, Changgyeonggung-ro 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

2. Jangkkobang

Located in Seocho-gu, Jangkkobang, named after the Jeolla dialect for a "jar," is famous for its kimchi stew made with 3-year aged kimchi. The kimchi here uses farm-fresh produce directly from Jinan, North Jeolla Province, resulting in a deep and rich flavor.​​​​

Address: 364, Hyoeryeong-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul

3. Janghwang Gopchang

Located in Seo-somun-ro, Jung-gu, Janghwang Gopchang is famous for its stir-fried intestines, but its kimchi stew is also popular. It boasts a spicy and rich flavor with a generous combination of pork and kimchi. Adding ramen noodles is also recommended.​​​​

Address: 83, Seo-somun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

4. Seodaemun Hanokjib

Located in Seodaemun-gu, Hanokjib is a famous kimchi stew restaurant mentioned in the comic "Food-keok." The kimchi stew, based on a beef bone broth, features aged kimchi and pork simmered until tender, resulting in a deep and refreshing flavor. Be sure to try the complimentary ramen noodles.​​​​

Address: 178, Naegeondong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

5. Kimchi Stew without a Signboard

This restaurant, located in Bukgajwa-dong, Seodaemun-gu, is truly "Kimchi Stew without a Signboard." However, it gained popularity through word-of-mouth, and its kimchi stew is loved by many for its rich and deep flavor. Please note that it operates only from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM.​​​​

Address: 31, Jeungga-ro 32an-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul