Paleo Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Paleo Kimchi Jjigae, a bold and flavorful Korean-inspired kimchi stew reimagined for a paleo lifestyle. This hearty dish features tender pork belly or shoulder simmered with tangy napa cabbage kimchi, nutrient-rich daikon radish, and aromatic garlic and ginger. Coconut oil and fish sauce add depth while keeping it paleo-friendly, and a finishing drizzle of sesame oil elevates the dish with a nutty richness. With its irresistible layers of umami and customizable spice level—thanks to optional red pepper flakes—this one-pot wonder is perfect for meal prepping or serving as a cozy dinner for four. Quick to prepare and deeply satisfying, Paleo Kimchi Jjigae is your go-to recipe for healthy, soul-warming comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams pork belly or shoulder
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 cups napa cabbage kimchi
• 0.5 cups kimchi juice
• 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 stalks green onions, chopped
• 1 medium daikon radish, sliced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Directions

Step 1

1. Begin by cutting the pork belly or shoulder into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2

2. In a large pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the pork pieces and sauté until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

3. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and sliced onion to the pot. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 4

4. Add the kimchi and kimchi juice to the pot, mixing everything well.

Step 5

5. Pour in the water and stir in the fish sauce, allowing the stew to come to a simmer.

Step 6

6. Add the sliced daikon radish to the stew and let it continue to simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the pork to become tender.

Step 7

7. Taste the stew, and season with ground black pepper and red pepper flakes, if using, for extra heat.

Step 8

8. Before serving, drizzle the sesame oil on top and garnish with chopped green onions.

Step 9

9. Serve hot and enjoy your Paleo Kimchi Jjigae as a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2252.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3190.1

Total Fat 308.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 121.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.3g
Cholesterol 360mg	0%
Sodium 5920.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 45.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.1g	0%
Total Sugars 19.7g
Protein 59.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 406.2mg	0%
Iron 7.4mg	0%
Potassium 2380.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 86.9%

Protein: 7.4%

Carbs: 5.7%