Rich and Nutty Perilla Seed Soft Tofu Stew
A Nutritious Powerhouse: The Ultimate Perilla Seed Soft Tofu Stew Recipe
Discover a hearty and nourishing Perilla Seed Soft Tofu Stew, perfect for the changing seasons. This comforting dish combines the silken texture of soft tofu with the rich, nutty flavor of perilla seeds, creating a satisfying meal that’s both wholesome and delicious. It’s an excellent choice for a nutritious boost or a light, healthy meal.
Main Ingredients- 1 package (400g) Silken Tofu – The creamy base for a comforting stew.
- 1 Shiitake Mushroom – Adds a deep, umami flavor to the broth.
- 1/2 Onion – Provides natural sweetness and depth.
- 6 Tbsp Perilla Seed Powder – The star ingredient for a rich, nutty taste. Don’t be shy with it!
Broth and Seasoning- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil – For toasting aromatics and adding nutty depth.
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic – A fundamental flavor enhancer in Korean cooking.
- 1 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (or Fish Sauce) – For an extra layer of savory umami.
- 220ml Water (approx. 1.5 standard paper cups) – To create a flavorful vegetable broth.
Additional Seasonings- 2 Tbsp Chopped Green Onion – Adds freshness and a mild oniony bite.
- 1-2 Korean Green Chilies – For a touch of heat, adjust to your preference. Remove seeds and mince finely.
- Salt to taste – To perfectly balance the flavors.
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil – For toasting aromatics and adding nutty depth.
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic – A fundamental flavor enhancer in Korean cooking.
- 1 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (or Fish Sauce) – For an extra layer of savory umami.
- 220ml Water (approx. 1.5 standard paper cups) – To create a flavorful vegetable broth.
Additional Seasonings- 2 Tbsp Chopped Green Onion – Adds freshness and a mild oniony bite.
- 1-2 Korean Green Chilies – For a touch of heat, adjust to your preference. Remove seeds and mince finely.
- Salt to taste – To perfectly balance the flavors.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing your vegetables. Finely mince the shiitake mushroom (after removing the stem, if any) and the half onion. Also, finely chop the green onions and the Korean green chilies. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the chilies before mincing. These chopped vegetables will build a delicious flavor base for your stew.
Step 2
Take the silken tofu and carefully make a cut through the center of the package with a knife. Gently tip the package to slide the tofu into a bowl, keeping it as intact as possible. This method helps maintain larger, soft pieces of tofu in the stew, offering a pleasant texture.
Step 3
Now, let’s start sautéing. Heat the sesame oil in a pot over medium-low heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Then, add the minced onion and shiitake mushroom. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until the vegetables soften slightly and become fragrant.
Step 4
Add the anchovy sauce (or fish sauce) to the pot and continue to sauté for another minute. This step helps to deepen the savory notes and integrate the flavors of the vegetables.
Step 5
Pour in the 220ml of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This process allows the flavors from the shiitake mushrooms and onions to infuse into the water, creating a savory vegetable broth that forms the foundation of your stew.
Step 6
Gently add the prepared silken tofu to the simmering broth. Let it cook for about 1 minute. Avoid vigorous stirring, as it can break down the tofu too much. You want to warm the tofu through while keeping its delicate texture.
Step 7
Once the tofu is heated through and the broth is gently bubbling, stir in the chopped green onions, minced Korean green chilies, and the generous amount of perilla seed powder (5-6 tablespoons). Stir gently to combine and cook for just about 30 seconds, until the stew slightly thickens. Do not overcook after adding the perilla seed powder, as this can diminish its wonderful aroma and flavor. Turn off the heat immediately.
Step 8
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Add a pinch of salt to bring out the best flavors. Your delicious and nutty Perilla Seed Soft Tofu Stew is now ready!
Step 9
Ladle the hot stew into a serving bowl. This Perilla Seed Soft Tofu Stew is so hearty and satisfying, you can enjoy it as a complete meal even without rice. It’s a perfect dish for boosting nutrition, a healthy option for weight management, and a comforting treat during cooler weather. Enjoy this simple yet wholesome homemade stew!
