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Korean Kimchi-jjim, plated and ready to serve

Korean Kimchi-jjim, Braised Kimchi with Pork Belly

Kimchi-jjim is whole wedges of aged kimchi braised slowly with thick pork belly until the cabbage is silky and the pork is tender. Unlike kimchi stew, it has just a little liquid, so the flavors concentrate into something deep and luxurious. Wrap the pork in the soft kimchi leaves to eat.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Korean
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 623kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/2 head well-fermented napa cabbage kimchi in large wedges (about 1 1/2 pounds)
  • 1 1/2 pounds pork belly cut into 2-inch thick slabs
  • 1/2 onion sliced
  • 2 cups anchovy-kelp broth or water
  • 1/2 cup kimchi juice
  • 1 tablespoon gochugaru
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon allulose (optional)
  • 2 scallions cut into 2-inch pieces

Instructions

  • Lay the onion in the bottom of a wide, heavy pot. Arrange the kimchi wedges on top, then the pork belly slabs.
  • Mix the broth, kimchi juice, gochugaru, garlic and allulose, and pour it over.
  • Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer gently for 50 to 60 minutes, until the kimchi is soft and translucent and the pork is tender.
  • Uncover for the last 10 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly. Add the scallions.
  • Serve the kimchi wedges whole and cut them with scissors at the table, wrapping each piece of pork in a kimchi leaf.

Notes

This is the dish to make with very sour, well-aged kimchi; the long braise mellows the sourness into a rich, savory flavor. Keeping the kimchi in whole wedges is what makes it look spectacular.
Chef's Tip: Add a mackerel or a few pieces of canned mackerel instead of pork for godeungeo kimchi-jjim, a popular coastal version.
Keto Swap: Kimchi-jjim is naturally low in carbs. A teaspoon of allulose can balance very sour kimchi in place of sugar.
Success Tip: If your kimchi is very spicy, rinse the wedges briefly before braising for a milder dish.
Nutrition is calculated from the ingredients and is an estimate per serving. Net carbs exclude fiber and allulose.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 623kcal | Protein: 13g | Fat: 61g | Fiber: 2.7g
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