This stew is a use for kimchi that has gone too sour to eat straight, and the older and funkier the kimchi, the better the broth. The key move is frying the kimchi and fatty pork together first, so the fat carries the chili and the sourness concentrates before any liquid goes in.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep10 min
Cook30 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineKorean
Cost$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
Contains soy · sesame
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for4servings
Pork belly or shoulder
Fatty pork renders into the broth and stands up to the sour kimchi; lean cuts leave it thin.
Fry the baseCook pork in a hot pot until the fat renders, add chopped kimchi and gochugaru, and fry 5 minutes until the kimchi darkens. This concentrates the sour-spicy flavor before liquid dilutes it.
SimmerAdd kimchi juice, water to cover, and gochujang; simmer 20 minutes until the pork is tender and the broth turns deep red.
Add tofuSlide in tofu slices and onion, simmer 5 more minutes just to heat through so the tofu stays intact.
FinishOff the heat, add scallion and a drizzle of sesame oil, and serve bubbling with rice.
Can you make Kimchi Jjigae in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Kimchi Jjigae? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Kimchi Jjigae ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Kimchi Jjigae gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Kimchi Jjigae vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
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