Korean Chile Con Carne

If you’re looking for a dish that warms your soul and excites your tastebuds, then you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe with this Korean Chile Con Carne! This delightful blend of spicy and savory flavors will knock your socks off and is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this chili is sure to impress everyone around the table.

What makes this recipe so special is its rich combination of ingredients that create layers of flavor. It’s not just your regular chili; it’s infused with Korean spice that adds an exciting twist. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your weekly meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor: The combination of gochujang and chipotle peppers brings a unique depth of flavor that tantalizes your palate.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip up this dish without breaking a sweat.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the mild heat and hearty texture, making it a hit for everyone at the dinner table.
• Make-Ahead Goodness: This chili tastes even better the next day, making leftovers a delicious treat!
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it alone or serve with rice, cheese, and fresh toppings to customize each bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Korean Chile Con Carne is easy with these simple and wholesome ingredients. You likely have some of them on hand already!

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

• 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

For the Spices

• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked salt

For the Chili Base

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini to boost the nutrition content.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace beef with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty plant-based option.
• Customize the spice level: Adjust the amount of jalapeños or gochugaru based on your heat preference.

How to Make Korean Chile Con Carne

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Start by heating your Dutch oven over high heat with your choice of fat. Lightly season the beef cubes with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper. Searing the meat creates a beautiful crust that locks in juices and adds depth to your chili. Work in batches if needed, transferring browned meat to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Reduce the heat to medium and add diced jalapeños and red onion to the pot. Stir frequently until they char slightly—this brings out their sweetness. Next, mix in minced garlic, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, coriander, smoked salt, and brown sugar. Stirring helps incorporate these spices well into the base.

Step 3: Build Your Chili

In a separate bowl, whisk together gochujang and beef broth until smooth. Pour this mixture into your pot along with fire-roasted tomatoes and any remaining beef broth. Scraping up those flavorful bits from the bottom is key! Add back in your seared meat and bring everything to a simmer. Covering it while cooking helps meld those flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Adjust Heat Levels

(Optional) If you’re feeling adventurous or just love heat like I do, toss in some gochugaru while simmering for an extra kick!

Step 5: Final Touches

Once everything has simmered for about 2-3 hours until tender (don’t rush this step!), stir in freshly chopped cilantro for brightness. Serve hot over white rice and top with cheddar cheese or green onions if desired—enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Korean Chile Con Carne

Creating the perfect Korean Chile Con Carne is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to ensure your chili is a hit!

• Sear the meat well: Browning the beef enhances the flavor through caramelization, adding depth to your dish. Don’t rush this step; it sets the foundation for a rich chili.

• Adjust the heat to your liking: Spice levels can vary greatly depending on the type of peppers you use. Taste as you go, and remember that you can always add more spice later, but it’s hard to tone it down once it’s in!

• Use high-quality broth: A good beef broth can elevate your chili’s flavor profile significantly. Opt for low-sodium versions to better control the saltiness of your dish.

• Let it simmer longer: Allowing the chili to cook low and slow helps tenderize the meat and melds all those fantastic flavors together. If time permits, let it simmer for up to 3 hours!

• Serve with fresh herbs: Adding chopped cilantro at the end not only introduces freshness but also a contrasting flavor that brightens up the heaviness of the chili.

How to Serve Korean Chile Con Carne

Serving Korean Chile Con Carne is just as important as making it! This dish can be enjoyed in various ways, making it versatile for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: These add a nice crunch and mild onion flavor that complements the spiciness perfectly.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melting cheese on top adds creaminess that balances out the heat of the chili.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of either provides a cool contrast that enhances each bite.

Side Dishes

• Steamed white rice: The perfect base for soaking up all that delicious sauce; rice helps mellow out the heat.
• Cornbread: This slightly sweet bread pairs wonderfully with spicy dishes, giving a comforting touch.
• Pickled vegetables: The tangy crunch of pickled cucumbers or radishes adds an exciting contrast in texture and flavor, cutting through the richness.
• Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are great for scooping up chili and add a delightful crunch alongside each bite.

Now you’re ready to serve up your Korean Chile Con Carne like a pro! Enjoy sharing this flavorful dish with family and friends—it’s sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Korean Chile Con Carne is an excellent choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, hearty chili throughout the week. Its flavors deepen and improve over time, making it even more enjoyable the next day!

Storing Leftovers

• Let the chili cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer to airtight containers.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Allow the chili to cool completely.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until bubbling, stirring occasionally.
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this flavorful recipe!

Can I make Korean Chile Con Carne spicier?

Absolutely! You can increase the amount of gochugaru or add extra jalapeños to amp up the heat. Just remember to taste as you go!

What makes Korean Chile Con Carne different from traditional chili?

Korean Chile Con Carne fuses traditional Texas-style chili with Korean flavors like gochujang and gochugaru, creating a unique spice blend that’s both savory and spicy.

Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?

Yes! While beef chuck roast is recommended for its tenderness, you could substitute it with ground beef, turkey, or even a plant-based protein if you prefer.

How long does it take to cook Korean Chile Con Carne?

The total cooking time is approximately 2-3 hours. This slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully while tenderizing the meat.

What toppings go well with Korean Chile Con Carne?

You can serve your chili with white rice, grated cheddar cheese, diced onions (white or green), or even fresh cilantro for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make this Korean Chile Con Carne as I am! It’s a special dish that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Its unique blend of spices and tender beef will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences—I can’t wait to hear how it turns out!