Korean Chile Con Carne

If you’re looking for a dish that warms your heart and fills your home with incredible aromas, look no further than my Korean Chile Con Carne. This recipe is a cherished favorite in my household, combining the robust flavors of traditional Texas chili with a delightful Korean twist. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight or for family gatherings where you want to impress everyone with something delicious and hearty.

Imagine tender chunks of beef simmering away, enveloped in a spicy sauce bursting with flavor. Each bite offers a unique combination of heat and savory goodness that makes this dish unforgettable. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe is simple enough to follow and rewarding enough to make it a staple in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: With straightforward steps, this recipe comes together quickly, allowing you to enjoy more time with friends and family.
• Family-friendly appeal: The rich flavors are sure to please even the pickiest eaters, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Make-ahead convenience: This chili tastes even better the next day, so feel free to prepare it in advance and reheat for effortless meals.
• Flavor explosion: Packed with spices and layers of heat, every bite delivers something special that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

We’re keeping things simple and wholesome with these ingredients. You’ll find everything you need to create a mouthwatering Korean Chile Con Carne right here!

For the Base

• 2 tablespoons beef tallow, or neutral oil
• 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1” cubes
• Kosher salt
• Fresh ground black pepper

For the Aromatics and Spices

• 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

For the Sauce

• 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 cup Negro Modelo, or preferred dark beef broth
• 5 tablespoons gochujang
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean chile flakes)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these variation ideas:

• Swap the protein: Instead of beef, try using chicken or turkey for a lighter version of this dish.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
• Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of jalapeños or gochugaru.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute beef with hearty beans like black beans or lentils while keeping all the delicious spices.

How to Make Korean Chile Con Carne

Step 1: Sear the Meat

Start by heating your Dutch oven over high heat and adding the beef tallow. Lightly season your beef cubes with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper before searing them until they’re golden brown on all sides. This step is crucial because browning the meat creates deep flavors that form the base for your chili.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Once your beef is browned, lower the heat to medium. Add in your diced jalapeños and red onion, stirring frequently until they char slightly for about two minutes. Then mix in minced garlic, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, coriander, smoked salt, and dark brown sugar. This blend of spices will infuse your chili with warmth and depth.

Step 3: Combine Everything Together

In a bowl, whisk together gochujang and beef broth until well blended. Pour this mixture into your pot along with fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juices) and additional beef broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—it’s all about building layers of flavor! Add back in the seared meat and let everything come to a gentle simmer for about 2-3 hours until tender.

Step 4: Spice It Up!

For those who crave extra heat, consider adding gochugaru during cooking. This step is optional but can elevate your chili’s kick significantly!

Step 5: Finish Off Your Chili

When ready to serve, stir in freshly chopped cilantro for brightness. I recommend enjoying this Korean Chile Con Carne over white rice. Top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions for an extra touch of flavor! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Korean Chile Con Carne

Making the perfect Korean Chile Con Carne is all about attention to detail and a little love in the cooking process. Here are some tips to ensure your chili turns out wonderfully flavorful!

• Choose the right cut of beef: Using beef chuck roast gives you tender, juicy meat that breaks down beautifully during cooking. This cut has the right balance of fat and meat, which will enhance the flavor of your chili.

• Sear your meat well: Don’t rush this step! Searing the beef until it’s nicely browned helps develop rich flavors through caramelization. It’s worth taking the time to get a good crust on your meat before adding it to the pot.

• Adjust spice levels: If you’re not sure how spicy you want your chili, start with less gochugaru and add more as it cooks. You can always add heat, but you can’t take it away once it’s in!

• Let it simmer longer for better flavor: The longer you let your chili simmer, the more flavorful it becomes as all the ingredients meld together. If time allows, making it a day ahead can enhance the taste even more!

• Experiment with toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with garnishes! Adding different toppings can transform each bowl into a unique experience while enhancing flavors and textures.

How to Serve Korean Chile Con Carne

Serving Korean Chile Con Carne is an opportunity to create a warm and inviting meal that showcases its robust flavors beautifully. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience!

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the chili perfectly.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt provides a creamy contrast to the spiciness, balancing out the heat beautifully.
• Sliced green onions: Adding diced green onions gives an extra crunch and a mild onion flavor that brightens up each bite.

Side Dishes

• White rice: A classic pairing, white rice absorbs the chili’s rich broth and balances out its spiciness.
• Cornbread: This sweet and fluffy bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of chili while providing a delightful texture contrast.
• Pickled vegetables: A side of tangy pickled veggies offers a refreshing crunch that cuts through the hearty richness of the chili.
• Steamed broccoli or green beans: These vibrant vegetables add color to your plate and provide a nutritious balance to this comfort food dish.

Enjoy creating unforgettable meals with this Korean Chile Con Carne recipe, and don’t forget to invite friends and family over to share in this delicious experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Korean Chile Con Carne is a fantastic option for meal prep, as it gets even better with time. You can easily make a large batch and store it for later meals, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Portion out the cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Remove as much air as possible from freezer bags before sealing.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label each container with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

Can I make Korean Chile Con Carne spicy?

Absolutely! You can adjust the heat level by adding more gochugaru or extra jalapeños according to your taste preference.

What makes Korean Chile Con Carne different from traditional chili?

The addition of gochujang and gochugaru gives this dish its unique flavor profile, setting it apart from traditional chili con carne while still keeping that comforting essence.

How do I serve Korean Chile Con Carne?

Serve it over white rice or with your favorite toppings such as cheese and green onions for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

How long does Korean Chile Con Carne last in the fridge?

It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when kept in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for joining me on this culinary journey! Korean Chile Con Carne is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and rich flavors. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to try it out and share your creations—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!