Korean stew, known as "jjigae," is a beloved dish that embodies the heartwarming essence of Korean cuisine.
This hearty and comforting stew is a staple in Korean households and is enjoyed throughout the year, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The base of jjigae typically consists of a savory broth, which is often made with anchovies, kelp, or dried shrimp, providing a rich umami depth to the dish.
This broth forms the foundation upon which various ingredients are added to create a harmonious medley of flavors.
Common ingredients found in jjigae include tofu, kimchi, pork, beef, seafood, or a combination thereof. Tofu, in particular, is a hallmark ingredient, adding a soft and silky texture to the stew while soaking up the flavors of the broth
Kimchi, with its tangy and spicy profile, lends a robust kick to the stew, infusing it with layers of complexity and depth.
Additional vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, onions, and green onions are often incorporated, providing freshness and crunch to the dish.
The stew is typically seasoned with ingredients like garlic, soy sauce, and Korean chili paste (gochujang) or Korean chili flakes (gochugaru), imparting a spicy and aromatic flavor profile.
Jjigae is traditionally cooked in a Korean earthenware pot called a "ttukbaegi" over a gas stove, allowing the flavors to meld together slowly and develop a rich depth.
The stew is typically seasoned with ingredients like garlic, soy sauce, and Korean chili paste (gochujang) or Korean chili flakes (gochugaru), imparting a spicy and aromatic flavor profile.