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Vegan Kimchi Jjigae

A warm, comforting Korean stew filled with fermented kimchi, vegetables, and tofu, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Korean
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base and Oils
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil A fragrant base to sauté.
  • 1 tsp sesame oil For a nutty finish.
Vegetables and Aromatics
  • 1 onion Adds depth.
  • 3 cloves garlic Adds pungency.
  • 1/4 head cabbage Shredded for crunch.
  • Mushrooms of choice (shiitake or enoki recommended) Adds texture.
  • Green onions, thinly sliced for toppings Used as garnish.
Kimchi Ingredients
  • ½ cup kimchi, chopped Tangy fermented goodness.
  • 60 ml kimchi juice Enhances the kimchi flavor.
Broth and Seasonings
  • 4 cups kombu stock (or hot water with shiitake mushrooms) Based for umami.
  • 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean hot sauce) For gentle heat.
  • 2 tsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) Extra kick.
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce Savory boost.
Protein
  • 200 g tofu (medium firm or soft) Provides creaminess.

Method
 

Prepare the Stock
  1. Soak the mushrooms in hot water for at least 30 minutes, keeping the stock water.
Chop and Prep
  1. Cut and prep all ingredients including onion, garlic, cabbage, spring onion, and tofu.
Sauté Aromatics
  1. In a large pot, heat the cooking oil and sesame oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and onion for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Kimchi and Spices
  1. Add the chopped kimchi and juice along with gochujang and gochugaru to the pot and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes.
Incorporate Stock
  1. Add the soaked mushrooms and reserved stock. Bring to a gentle boil.
Final Ingredients
  1. Stir in chopped cabbage and enoki mushrooms, reduce heat, and simmer for 7-10 minutes.
  2. Add tofu cubes and simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds just before serving.

Notes

Use fresh kimchi for better taste. Customize with other vegetables as desired.