HEALTHY KIMCHI STEW (KIMCHI JJIGAE)
Healthy Kimchi Stew or Kimchi Jjigae, is one of Korea’s most beloved comfort foods. It is deeply warming, tangy, spicy and richly flavoured. This simplified version offers all the classic elements in a lighter, health-conscious form, perfect for a single serving. With fermented kimchi as its core, the stew delivers gut-friendly probiotics and a complex, developed flavour enhanced by gochugaru (Korean chilli flakes), garlic, soy sauce and soft tofu. It comes together in one pot, making it an ideal meal for cold days, busy evenings or whenever you need something comforting and nutritious simmered gently in water. Whether served on its own or with a bowl of rice, this stew packs depth and heat without being heavy. It’s a clean and vegan-friendly twist on the classic dish, which satisfies your cravings for spice and warmth while keeping preparation effortless.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Soups & Stews
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Korean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Simmer, One-Pot Wonders
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Winter, Casual Dinner, Date Night, Weeknight Meal, Fall
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, Vegan, Vegetarian, Wheat/Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Low Fat, Quick & Easy, Low/No Sugar
DISH TYPE
Soup / Stew, Main Course
INGREDIENTS
There are the following ingredients for Healthy Kimchi Stew (Kimchi Jjigae):
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup kimchi
- ¼ block tofu, cubed
- ½ teaspoon gochugaru
- ½ teaspoon garlic
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 72 kcal
- Protein: 5.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 3.2 g
- Fat: 3.7 g
- Fibre: 1.1 g
- Sugar: 1.4 g
- Sodium: 456 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Healthy Kimchi Stew (Kimchi Jjigae):
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Roughly chop the kimchi if needed.
- Heat The Pot: In a small saucepan, combine water, kimchi, garlic and gochugaru. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Simmer The Base: Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to soften the kimchi and develop flavour.
- Add Tofu And Seasoning: Gently add the tofu and soy sauce. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the tofu is heated through and the broth is well infused.
- Serve Hot: Pour into a bowl and serve immediately as a standalone stew or with a side of steamed rice.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
10 minutes
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for Healthy Kimchi Stew (Kimchi Jjigae):
- Use Aged Kimchi: Fermented and older kimchi offer a deeper tang and complexity.
- Simmer Slowly: A gentle simmer lets the flavours meld without making the tofu too soft.
- Adjust Heat: Add more or less gochugaru depending on your spice preference.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir gently once tofu is added to avoid breaking it apart.
- Broth Options: Use low-sodium vegetable broth instead of water for a richer base.
VARIATIONS
- Protein Swap: Use tempeh or mushrooms instead of tofu for variety.
- Kimchi Style: Add a splash of kimchi juice for intensified tanginess.
- Extra Veggies: Include chopped zucchini, onion or napa cabbage for heartier stew.
- Spicy Boost: Add a small amount of gochujang for a bolder and thicker stew.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of oat milk or silken tofu for a milder and creamy broth.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store cooled stew in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave and stirring carefully.
- Freezing Option: Freeze in individual portions without tofu (add fresh when reheating) for the best texture.
- Meal Prep Tip: Chop kimchi and cube tofu ahead of time to speed up preparation during the week.