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 has complex flavors, based on the traditional Texas-style meat chili. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, this dish will surely impress your friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: The combination of gochujang and chipotle gives this chili a unique depth that’s both spicy and savory.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it alone or pair it with rice, tortillas, or bread; it fits any occasion!
- Easily Scalable: Great for meal prep! You can easily adjust the ingredients to feed a crowd or just yourself.
- Hearty and Satisfying: This chili is packed with protein and rich flavors, making it a filling meal that warms you up.
- Comforting Meal: Ideal for cold nights, it’s the perfect comfort food that brings everyone together.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your Korean Chile Con Carne, gather these essential tools to make the process easier.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or deep pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or deep pot: Essential for even cooking and simmering the meat until tender.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for scraping the bottom of the pot to incorporate all those delicious browned bits into the chili.
Ingredients
To create 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 Meat
Use a Dutch oven or a deep pot. Heat the fat over high heat. Lightly season the meat with salt & pepper. Sear the meat all over; you will probably need to do this in batches. Transfer the meat to a plate lined with a paper towel once browned.
Step 2: Cook Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium. When the oil is hot, add in the diced jalapeños and red onion. Stir frequently to char on all sides for about 2 minutes. Add in the minced garlic, chopped chipotle, adobo sauce, cumin, coriander, smoked salt, and brown sugar. Continue stirring frequently to incorporate all spices.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Whisk together the gochujang and beef broth until well mixed. Add this into the pot along with more beef broth and fire-roasted tomatoes with juices. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits stuck on the bottom of the pot. Return meat to the pot and bring everything to a simmer for about 2–3 hours until tender. Cover while cooking for thinner chili; uncover for thicker consistency.
Step 4: Add Extra Heat (Optional)
If you like it spicier, stir in gochugaru (chile flakes) during cooking.
Step 5: Serve It Up!
Stir in chopped cilantro at the end. I recommend serving with white rice and toppings such as cheddar cheese and diced onions. Enjoy!
How to Serve Korean Chile Con Carne
Korean Chile Con Carne is a delightful dish that pairs well with various sides and toppings. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
With White Rice
- White rice serves as a neutral base that absorbs the rich flavors of the chili, providing a satisfying texture contrast.
Topped with Cheddar Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for a creamy finish that balances the heat of the chili while adding an extra layer of flavor.
Garnished with Green Onions
- Diced green onions add freshness and crunch, enhancing the overall taste while offering a pop of color to your plate.
Served in Tortillas
- Warm tortillas can be filled with chili for a delicious wrap, making it easy to enjoy this flavorful dish on-the-go.
Accompanied by Cornbread
- A slice of cornbread complements the spicy notes of the chili and provides a sweet contrast that many find irresistible.
With Avocado Slices
- Creamy avocado slices bring a cool touch to each bite, balancing the spice and adding healthy fats to your meal.
How to Perfect Korean Chile Con Carne
To make your Korean Chile Con Carne even more delicious, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Quality Beef: Using high-quality beef chuck roast will yield tender meat that enhances the overall flavor.
- Sear the Meat Well: Take your time when searing; browning adds depth and richness to your chili.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to add or reduce jalapeños and gochugaru according to your heat preference.
- Simmer Longer for Flavor: Allowing the chili to simmer longer helps meld flavors together, resulting in a richer taste.
- Use Homemade Broth: If possible, homemade beef broth can significantly improve flavor over store-bought options.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings like sour cream or cilantro for added freshness and flavor complexity.
Best Side Dishes for Korean Chile Con Carne
Pairing sides with Korean Chile Con Carne can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:
Cornbread
A slightly sweet cornbread complements the spiciness of the chili perfectly. Serve warm for best results.Coleslaw
This crunchy side adds freshness and balance. A vinegar-based slaw works particularly well against the rich flavors of the chili.Grilled Vegetables
Lightly seasoned grilled vegetables provide a smoky taste that pairs wonderfully with Korean flavors.Refried Beans
Creamy refried beans add protein and texture, making them an excellent accompaniment to this hearty dish.Guacamole
The creamy nature of guacamole offers a cooling effect against the heat of the chile con carne, enhancing each bite.Tortilla Chips
Crispy tortilla chips make for a fun way to scoop up chili while adding an enjoyable crunch to every mouthful.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking can be tricky, and making Korean Chile Con Carne is no exception. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.
- Skipping the Searing: Failing to sear the beef well can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always take the time to brown the meat before adding other ingredients.
- Ignoring Spice Adjustments: Not tasting as you go may result in an unbalanced dish. Adjust spices like gochugaru and cumin according to your heat preference for a personal touch.
- Overcooking or Undercooking: Cooking times are crucial; too long can dry out the meat, while too short can leave it tough. Aim for a tender texture by simmering until the beef is just right.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor-quality broth or tomatoes can diminish your dish’s overall taste. Opt for high-quality fire-roasted tomatoes and rich broth for the best results.
- Neglecting Rest Time: Serving immediately after cooking can lead to a chaotic meal. Allow your chili to rest for a few minutes; this helps flavors meld together beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Korean Chile Con Carne
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Korean Chile Con Carne
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a covered dish and heat for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Korean Chile Con Carne unique?
Korean Chile Con Carne combines traditional Texas chili elements with Korean spices like gochujang, creating a delicious fusion of flavors that stand out from typical chili recipes.
How spicy is Korean Chile Con Carne?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. Including more gochugaru will increase the heat, while omitting it will make it milder.
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Substituting turkey for beef works well and provides a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
What toppings pair well with Korean Chile Con Carne?
Toppings such as cilantro, diced green onions, avocado, and shredded cheese add freshness and balance to the spiciness of the chili.
How do I customize this recipe?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, or experiment with different beans if you prefer. This recipe is versatile!
Final Thoughts
Korean Chile Con Carne is not only flavorful but also adaptable to suit various tastes. You can customize it with different proteins or spice levels. We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy its rich blend of flavors!
Korean Chile Con Carne
Blow your taste buds away with our Korean Chile Con Carne—a delightful fusion of traditional Texas-style chili and the bold flavors of Korean cuisine. This hearty dish features tender beef simmered with spicy gochujang, smoky chipotle, and savory fire-roasted tomatoes. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, this chili is not only comforting but also impressively customizable to suit various tastes. Serve it over rice or in warm tortillas for a satisfying meal that unites friends and family around the table.
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons 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)
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, heat neutral oil over high heat and sear the seasoned beef until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium; sauté diced jalapeños and red onion until charred. Add minced garlic, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, coriander, smoked salt, and brown sugar; stir to combine.
- Whisk together gochujang and beef broth; add to the pot along with fire-roasted tomatoes and remaining beef broth. Return seared meat to the pot.
- Bring to a simmer and cook covered for 2–3 hours until tender, adjusting thickness as desired by uncovering during cooking.
- Optional: Stir in gochugaru for extra spice before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For a lighter option, substitute turkey for beef. Enhance flavor by using homemade beef broth. Experiment with toppings like avocado slices or cilantro for added freshness.
