Gamja-tang (Korean Pork and Potato Stew)

For the Gamja-tang: Season ribs on all sides with salt. In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add half of the ribs, meat side down, and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on both sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer browned ribs to a plate and set aside. Repeat browning process with remaining ribs, then let browned ribs rest for 5 minutes. Using a sharp knife, cut between ribs to separate into single-rib pieces. Return ribs to plate and set aside. Vicky Wasik Lower heat to medium-low and add onion to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, gochugaru, and doenjang and continue to cook until aromatic, about 1 minute. Add chicken stock, fish sauce, and potatoes, and return ribs to pot along with any accumulated juices. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until potatoes are slightly tender on the exterior but still firm at the center, so that they offer resistance when poked with a paring knife, about 30 minutes. Vicky Wasik Remove lid, stir in daikon radish, and arrange cabbage leaves in an even layer over the surface of the stew to form a lid. Continue to cook, adjusting heat as needed to maintain a simmer, until potatoes are fully cooked through, offering little resistance when poked with a paring knife, and daikon is just tender, about 30 minutes. Vicky Wasik Meanwhile, in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder, grind perilla seeds into a coarse powder. Set aside 2 teaspoons of the crushed perilla seeds and, once potatoes are cooked through, add the rest to the stew. Gently stir to incorporate perilla seeds and cabbage leaves into the stew. Vicky Wasik Continue to cook until meat on ribs is fully tender, offering minimal resistance when poked with a paring knife, and potatoes have begun to break down slightly, thickening the stew, about 20 minutes longer. Season with salt to taste. Vicky Wasik For Serving: Divide stew between individual serving bowls, topping each portion with scallions, perilla leaves, chile (if using), and sliced cabbage core. Serve immediately. Vicky Wasik