Korean Chile Con Carne

If you’re looking for a dish that brings warmth and comfort, look no further than this Korean Chile Con Carne. It’s a delightful fusion of spicy Korean flavors and the hearty goodness of Texas-style chili. This recipe is not just about satisfying hunger; it’s about sharing love through food. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a gathering with friends and family, this dish will surely impress everyone at the table.

What makes this Korean Chile Con Carne special is its depth of flavor—think layers of heat from gochujang and chipotle, combined with the comforting richness of tender beef. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare while still impressing your guests with something unique and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a symphony of taste that you won’t forget.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, even novice cooks can create a showstopper meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the savory goodness, making it perfect for any family dinner.
• Make-Ahead Option: This chili tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance for your busy schedule.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice or top it with your favorite garnishes for a customizable meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful Korean Chile Con Carne:

For the Chili

• 2 tablespoons beef tallow, or neutral oil
• 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1 cubes
• Kosher salt
• Fresh ground black pepper
• 1 red onion, finely diced
• 2 jalapeños, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, finely diced
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely diced
• 2 teaspoons adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked salt
• 1 15 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 cup preferred dark beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
• 5 tablespoons gochujang
• 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
• 2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean chile flakes)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Swap the Protein: Use chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or carrots to enhance nutrition and flavor.
• Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the meat with lentils or beans for a plant-based twist while keeping all those delicious spices.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of gochujang or skip the chipotles altogether.

How to Make Korean Chile Con Carne

Step 1: Sear the Meat

Start by using a Dutch oven or deep pot. Heat your chosen fat over high heat. Lightly season your beef cubes with salt and pepper before searing them until they are browned all over. This step is crucial as it locks in flavor and gives that lovely caramelization to the meat. You may need to do this in batches; don’t overcrowd the pot!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Once all your meat is seared, reduce the heat to medium. Add in your diced jalapeños and red onion. Stir frequently until they start to char nicely—about two minutes should do it! Then add minced garlic, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, coriander, smoked salt, and brown sugar. This mixture creates an aromatic base for your chili.

Step 3: Combine Everything

In a separate bowl, whisk together gochujang and beef broth until smooth. Pour this into your pot along with fire-roasted tomatoes and remaining beef broth. Make sure to scrape up all those tasty bits stuck at the bottom! Return your seared meat to the pot and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover if you want a thinner consistency; leave uncovered if you’d like it thicker. Let it cook low and slow for about 2-3 hours until the meat is fork-tender.

Step 4: Spice It Up!

For those who crave extra heat, add gochugaru during cooking! This step is optional but highly recommended if you’re feeling adventurous.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

When everything is cooked to perfection, stir in some chopped cilantro at the end for freshness. I love serving this chili over white rice topped with shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions—it’s simply divine! Enjoy every spicy spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Korean Chile Con Carne

Making Korean Chile Con Carne is all about layering those delicious flavors, and with a few simple tips, you can take your chili to the next level!

• Sear the Meat Properly: Take your time to sear the beef nicely. This step builds a rich flavor base that will enhance the overall taste of your chili.

• Adjust the Heat Level: Feel free to modify the amount of gochugaru or jalapeños based on your heat tolerance. This flexibility allows you to create a dish that perfectly suits your palate.

• Let It Simmer: The longer you let it simmer, the more tender and flavorful your meat will become. If time allows, consider making it a day ahead; reheating can deepen those flavors even more!

• Experiment with Broth: You can substitute dark beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter version while still keeping a rich flavor profile. This makes it suitable for various dietary preferences without compromising taste.

• Don’t Skip the Cilantro: Adding fresh cilantro just before serving brightens up the dish and adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chili.

How to Serve Korean Chile Con Carne

Presenting your Korean Chile Con Carne can be as fun as cooking it! Here are some ideas to make your meal not just delicious, but visually appealing as well.

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: These add a lovely crunch and mild onion flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the chili.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A sprinkle of cheese melts into the warm chili, adding creaminess that enhances every bite.
• Fresh Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens up each serving, bringing a zesty lift that complements the spices perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Steamed White Rice: The perfect canvas for soaking up all that delicious sauce, rice balances out the spice and makes for a hearty meal.
• Cornbread Muffins: Soft, buttery cornbread is an ideal companion—its subtle sweetness pairs wonderfully with spicy dishes like this chili.
• Pickled Vegetables: A side of tangy pickled veggies adds a refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness of the beef chili.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens dressed in vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast and keeps your meal balanced.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll have everyone going back for seconds! Enjoy crafting this delightful dish and sharing it with loved ones.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Korean Chile Con Carne is perfect for meal prep, making it an ideal dish to prepare ahead of time. With its rich flavors developing even further after a day or two in the refrigerator, you can enjoy multiple servings throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Portion out the chili into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze it for up to 3 months; be sure to remove as much air as possible from bags before sealing.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Add a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the consistency.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about preparing this delicious dish!

What is Korean Chile Con Carne?

Korean Chile Con Carne is a unique take on traditional chili, infused with Korean ingredients like gochujang and gochugaru that add depth and heat. This recipe showcases tender beef mixed with savory tomatoes and spices for a hearty meal.

Can I make Korean Chile Con Carne without beef?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Alternatively, try using a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version while retaining the rich flavors.

How spicy is Korean Chile Con Carne?

The spice level can be adjusted according to your taste. The combination of gochujang, jalapeños, and chipotle peppers provides a robust heat, but you can reduce or omit any of these ingredients if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I use other types of broth in Korean Chile Con Carne?

Absolutely! While beef broth enhances the flavor profile, you can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as alternatives without compromising the overall taste of your chili.

What do I serve with Korean Chile Con Carne?

This flavorful chili pairs wonderfully with white rice or tortillas. Consider topping it with diced onions, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor and texture!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make this Korean Chile Con Carne as I am! Its bold flavors and comforting warmth make it truly special. Whether for a cozy dinner at home or meal prepping for busy days ahead, this dish is sure to bring joy to your table. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience!

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