How to Make Korean Spicy Tzimmes: A Step-by-Step Guide

What is Korean Spicy Tzimmes?

Korean spicy tzimmes, also known as "jjigae" or "jjigae tzimmes," is a hearty and flavorful stew that is a staple in Korean cuisine. It features a medley of vegetables, meat, and a spicy, savory broth that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or other meat of your choice, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped potatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped mushrooms
• 1/2 cup kimchi, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth or water
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Sauteing the Aromatics

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger and saute until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Adding the Vegetables

1. Add the bell peppers, carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms to the pot and saute for another 5 minutes, until slightly softened.

Step 3: Incorporating the Meat

1. Add the chicken or meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Building the Flavor Base

1. Stir in the gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the gochujang is slightly dissolved.

Step 5: Adding the Broth and Simmering

1. Pour in the chicken broth or water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the meat is cooked through.

Step 6: Serving the Tzimmes

1. Serve the spicy tzimmes hot, garnished with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. You can also serve it with a side of rice.

Tips and Variations:

• For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken or meat and add more vegetables like tofu, eggplant, or zucchini.
• You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochujang.
• If you don't have gochujang, you can substitute it with a combination of chili powder, paprika, and a bit of cayenne pepper.
• Feel free to add other ingredients like seafood, mushrooms, or bean sprouts to your tzimmes.