Pork Belly Kimchi Stew (삼겹살 김치찌개, Samgyeopsal Kimchi Jjigae)

Chelsea Feb 21, 2025

Welcome back to Chelsea’s K-Food Recipes! Today we’re making a rich and comforting Korean classic — Pork Belly Kimchi Stew (삼겹살 김치찌개, Samgyeopsal Kimchi Jjigae).

This stew brings together tender, savory pork belly and deeply fermented kimchi for the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and rich flavors. It’s pure Korean comfort food — perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you need a warm, satisfying meal.

🍲 Ingredients

  • 200g (7 oz) pork belly, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1½ cups aged kimchi (preferably well-fermented)
  • 1/2 onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 cups water or anchovy broth
  • 1 tbsp doenjang (optional — for richer flavor)
  • 1 block tofu (optional, cubed)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Sauté Pork Belly & Kimchi

Heat sesame oil in a pot over medium heat.
Add pork belly and cook ~5 minutes until lightly browned and fat renders.
Add onion and garlic, stir 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add kimchi and cook 3–5 minutes to develop flavor.

2️⃣ Season & Add Broth

Add gochugaru and soy sauce, stir to coat.
Pour in water or anchovy broth.
If using, stir in doenjang for deeper umami flavor.
Bring to a boil.

3️⃣ Simmer

Reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes until pork is tender and broth thickens slightly.

4️⃣ Add Tofu & Green Onion

Add tofu gently and cook 5 more minutes.
Stir in green onions.

5️⃣ Taste & Serve

Season with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve hot with steamed white rice (흰쌀밥, Heen Ssal Bap) — the perfect pairing!

💡 Tips for Perfect Samgyeopsal Kimchi Jjigae

  • Aged sour kimchi gives the stew its signature depth
  • Pork belly adds richness; substitute pork shoulder for a leaner version
  • Add gochujang for extra heat and flavor
  • Let it simmer longer for melt-in-the-mouth pork

This Pork Belly Kimchi Stew is cozy, deeply flavored, and incredibly satisfying — the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. Paired with rice and classic Korean side dishes, it's a true taste of home-style Korean cooking.

Thanks for joining me on Chelsea’s K-Food Recipes — more delicious Korean dishes are coming soon! 🇰🇷✨