Hearty and Delicious Soy Bean Curd Stew (Kongbiji Jjigae) Recipe
How to Make Nutritious Soy Bean Curd Stew: An Easy and Delicious One-Bowl Meal for Dinner
Always a delight to eat! This hearty Soy Bean Curd Stew is packed with flavor and nutrients, featuring plenty of ground meat and fresh soy bean curd. It’s a perfect bowl of pure protein, making dinner preparation simple and satisfying.
Stew Ingredients
- 1 bowl soy bean curd (approx. 200-250g)
- 1/2 bowl ground pork or finely chopped pork neck (approx. 100-120g)
- 1/2 bowl finely chopped ripe kimchi (approx. 100-120g)
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
- 2 Korean green chili peppers, diagonally sliced
- 1 red chili pepper, diagonally sliced
Seasoning Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp chili powder
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 5 Tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste, or use salted shrimp paste)
- 3 Tbsp chili powder
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 5 Tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste, or use salted shrimp paste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, add the pork to a pot and stir-fry over medium heat. Using ground pork is convenient, but finely chopped pork neck will add even more flavor. It’s best to cook the pork until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked to prevent any gamey smell. The rendered pork fat will also add depth to the stew.
Step 2
Once the pork is well-cooked, pour in 1 liter of water and bring it to a boil. Using anchovy or kelp broth will create a deeper, richer flavor, but plain water is also delicious. Rice water can also be used for a creamier, more savory broth.
Step 3
When the water reaches a rolling boil, add the finely chopped ripe kimchi and let it simmer. Cook for about 5-10 minutes, or until the kimchi becomes tender and soft. This will allow the kimchi’s tangy flavor to infuse into the broth, enhancing the stew’s overall savory taste.
Step 4
Now it’s time to add the seasonings. Stir in 3 tablespoons of chili powder, 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, and 5 tablespoons of soy sauce. If you have salted shrimp paste (saeujeot) on hand, using it instead of soy sauce will give the stew an even more profound and refreshing flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce or salted shrimp paste to your personal preference.
Step 5
After adding the seasonings, reduce the heat to low and add the prepared soy bean curd. It’s important to break up any clumps and stir well as it cooks. Simmer over low heat for a good while to cook out any raw bean flavor. If the stew seems too thick, you can add more water as needed. Soy bean curd absorbs a lot of liquid, so you might need more water than you expect.
Step 6
Avoid boiling the soy bean curd stew over high heat, as this can result in a raw taste or a dry texture. It’s best to simmer it gently over low heat for an extended period. Rushing the cooking process can lead to spills or burnt ingredients, so patience is key. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld together.
Step 7
Finally, as the stew nears completion, add the chopped green onions and the diagonally sliced Korean green and red chili peppers. Let it simmer briefly. The colorful chilies not only make the stew visually appealing but also add a hint of spice. You can also add a dash of black pepper if you like. Once all the ingredients are tender and the flavors have harmonized, your delicious Soy Bean Curd Stew is ready to enjoy!
