Gochujang Jjigae (Spicy Pork and Zucchini Stew)

spicy pork and zucchini stew is served with a spoon

Gochujang Jjigae (Spicy Pork and Zucchini Stew)

Gochujang jjigae is a spicy Korean stew made with pork belly, zucchini, and a rich gochujang broth. Bold, comforting, and perfect with warm rice for an easy weeknight meal.

Course Soup, Stew

Cuisine Korean

Diet Low Lactose

Keyword gochujang jjigae, gochujang soup, hobak gochujang jjigae, hobak jjigae, Korean spicy stew, korean stew, spicy pork stew, zucchini gochujang jjigae, zucchini stew

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings

Calories 213

Author Hyegyoung K. Ford

Ingredients

1 (about 250–300 g) large zucchini sliced into ½-inch sticks
1/4 lb (110 g) pork belly thinly sliced into strips
1 small onion sliced
1-2 tbsp (20–40 g) Korean chili paste (gochujang)
2 tbsp (12–14 g) Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
1 tbsp (15 ml) Korean soup soy sauce (gukganjang)
1 tbsp (15 ml) canola or grape seed oil
3-4 cup (720–960 ml) water
2 cloves garlic minced
Korean anchovy sauce or fish sauce to taste
1 jalopeño sliced, optional
1-2 green onion chopped

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the chili paste, chili flakes, and soup soy sauce. Add the pork belly slices and toss with seasoning paste.
Heat oil in a small pot over medium heat. Add the seasoned pork belly and saute for 1 minute. Add the water and onion (water should barely cover everything in the pot), and bring it to boil. Lower the heat a little and continue to cook until the onion is soft.
Add the zucchini sticks, garlic, and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes or until the zucchinis are almost tender.
Season with anchovy sauce to your desired taste. Add the jalapeño and green onion and let it simmer for 1 minute. Remove the stew from heat and serve hot with rice.

Notes

Substitution and Variation Ideas

You can substitute zucchini with other types of squash or pumpkin if summer zucchini isn't available.
Instead of pork belly, try using other proteins like canned tuna, beef, or chicken.
To make this dish vegetarian, use potatoes and/or mushrooms instead of pork. Adding cubes of tofu makes the stew hearty and satisfying.

Nutrition