Korean Chile Con Carne

Blow your tastebuds away with this spicy Korean Chile Con Carne, fortified with FOUR layers of heat, savory tomatoes, and tender beef. This simple recipe is perfect for gatherings, cozy nights in, or when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful. The combination of Korean spices with classic chili elements creates a unique dish that stands out on any dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: Combining traditional chili spices with Korean gochujang results in a bold taste that’s hard to resist.
• Easy Preparation: Despite its depth of flavor, this dish comes together simply and can be made in one pot.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, with bread, or as a filling for tacos; the possibilities are endless!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it only gets better with time.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for dinner parties or game day, this recipe serves 10-12 people.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make preparing your Korean Chile Con Carne even easier. A few essential items will help you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or deep pot
• Wooden spoon
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or deep pot: Perfect for slow-cooking and allows for even heat distribution while making your chili.
• Wooden spoon: Great for scraping up those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot without damaging your cookware.

Ingredients

To prepare your Korean Chile Con Carne, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 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 dark beef broth
• 5 tablespoons gochujang
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean chile flakes)

How to Make Korean Chile Con Carne

Step 1: Sear the Beef

• Use a Dutch oven or deep pot. Heat the fat over high heat.
• Lightly season the beef cubes with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper.
• Sear the beef on all sides until browned. You may need to do this in batches.
• Transfer the seared meat to a plate lined with a paper towel.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

• Reduce heat to medium. When oil is hot, add in diced jalapeños and red onion.
• Stir frequently for about 2 minutes until charred on all sides.
• Add minced garlic, chopped chipotle, adobo sauce, cumin, coriander, smoked salt, and brown sugar. Stir frequently to incorporate spices.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

• Whisk together gochujang and dark beef broth until well blended.
• Pour this mixture into the pot along with beef broth and fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices).
• Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Add seared beef back into the pot.

Step 4: Simmer

• Bring everything to a simmer. Cover if you prefer a thinner chili; leave uncovered for a thicker consistency.
• Let it simmer for about 2–3 hours until beef is tender.

Step 5: Add Extra Heat (Optional)

• If you want more heat, stir in gochugaru (Korean chile flakes) while cooking.

Step 6: Final Touches

• Stir in chopped cilantro before serving. Pair with white rice and toppings like cheddar cheese or diced onions. Enjoy!

How to Serve Korean Chile Con Carne

Korean Chile Con Carne is a delightful dish that packs a punch with its bold flavors. Serving it correctly can elevate the meal and enhance your dining experience.

With Rice

• Serve over fluffy white rice to absorb the rich sauce, providing a perfect balance to the spicy flavors.

Topped with Cheese

• Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top while it’s still hot for a creamy contrast to the heat.

Garnished with Green Onions

• Add chopped green onions or diced white onions for a fresh crunch that complements the savory chili.

Accompanied by Cornbread

• Pair with warm cornbread to soak up the chili, making for a comforting and hearty meal.

With Avocado Slices

• Serve avocado slices or guacamole on the side for a cool, creamy texture that balances the spice.

In Tacos

• Use soft tortillas to create spicy beef tacos filled with Korean Chile Con Carne, topped with your favorite salsa and cilantro.

How to Perfect Korean Chile Con Carne

To make your Korean Chile Con Carne truly exceptional, keep these tips in mind.

• Choose Quality Meat: Opt for well-marbled beef chuck for tender and flavorful results. The fat will melt during cooking, enriching the dish.

• Sear Properly: Don’t skip searing the beef until it’s nicely browned. This step adds depth of flavor through caramelization.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the amount of gochugaru or jalapeños based on your heat preference. Start small and gradually add more.

• Let It Simmer: Allowing the chili to simmer longer develops richer flavors. If possible, make it a day ahead; it’ll taste even better after resting.

Best Side Dishes for Korean Chile Con Carne

Korean Chile Con Carne pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its robust flavor profile. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Rice
   A classic side that soaks up all those delicious juices from the chili.

2. Cornbread
   Sweet and crumbly cornbread adds a delightful contrast to the spicy stew.

3. Pickled Vegetables
   Tangy pickled veggies provide a refreshing crunch that balances out the richness of the chili.

4. Coleslaw
   A crisp coleslaw offers crunch and creaminess that enhances every bite of chili con carne.

5. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables bring earthy flavors that pair beautifully with the bold spices in your dish.

6. Guacamole
   Creamy guacamole adds richness and a cooling effect against the heat of the chili, making each bite rewarding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Korean Chile Con Carne can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final dish.

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the meat properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season with salt and pepper before searing.
• Overcooking the meat: Cooking the beef for too long can make it tough. Aim for a simmer of 2-3 hours until tender but not overdone.
• Ignoring simmer time: Skipping the simmering step can result in a missing depth of flavor. Allow enough time for all ingredients to meld together.
• Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality broth can dilute the dish’s flavor. Opt for a rich, well-seasoned beef broth for best results.
• Neglecting garnishes: Skipping toppings like cilantro or cheese can reduce the dish’s appeal. Add garnishes to enhance both flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Korean Chile Con Carne

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Korean Chile Con Carne

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Korean Chile Con Carne.

What is Korean Chile Con Carne?

Korean Chile Con Carne is a flavorful chili dish combining traditional Texas-style chili elements with spicy Korean ingredients like gochujang.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute chicken for beef if preferred. Just adjust cooking times as chicken may cook faster.

How spicy is Korean Chile Con Carne?

The spiciness largely depends on the amount of gochujang and gochugaru used. Adjust these ingredients according to your heat preference.

What should I serve with Korean Chile Con Carne?

It pairs well with white rice, tortillas, or cornbread. You can also add toppings like cheese or green onions for extra flavor.

How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers stored properly in the fridge will last up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.

Final Thoughts

Korean Chile Con Carne offers an exciting twist on traditional chili with its unique blend of flavors and spices. This recipe is versatile enough to allow for various adaptations based on your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings or sides!