Hearty and Savory Classic Doenjang-jjigae (Korean Soybean Paste Stew) with Tofu
The Quintessential Home-style Doenjang-jjigae with Tofu
Here’s a simple recipe for a comforting bowl of Doenjang-jjigae (Korean soybean paste stew) that’s perfect for any meal. Having basic ingredients like radish, napa cabbage, tofu, and enoki mushrooms on hand makes preparing various kinds of soups a breeze. This savory stew is especially wonderful on busy days when you crave a warm, home-cooked meal that fills you up. In the summer of 2021, let’s fill our hearts as well as our stomachs with a bowl of this comforting soup, lovingly prepared for our cherished family.
Basic Ingredients
- 1 liter water
- 3 dried anchovies (for broth)
- 2 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 4-5 button mushrooms
- 1 tsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 block firm tofu
- 2 Cheongyang peppers (or similar spicy peppers, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 stalk green onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In a pot, combine 1 liter of water and 3 dried anchovies. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes to create a savory anchovy broth. For a cleaner taste, you can remove the innards of the anchovies before simmering.
Step 2
Once the broth is ready, remove the anchovies. Add 2 tablespoons of doenjang (Korean soybean paste) and stir well until it dissolves completely, ensuring no clumps remain. You can adjust the amount of doenjang depending on its saltiness.
Step 3
Cut the 1/2 block of firm tofu into 1.5 cm cubes. Wash the 4-5 button mushrooms and slice them about 0.5 cm thick or cut them into quarters for bite-sized pieces.
Step 4
Add the prepared tofu and sliced mushrooms to the dissolved doenjang broth. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir gently to prevent the tofu from breaking apart.
Step 5
Once the stew begins to boil, add the flavor enhancers: 1 teaspoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for a mild kick, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic for aroma, and if you enjoy spiciness, add 2 finely chopped Cheongyang peppers.
Step 6
Finally, prepare the green onion by thinly slicing it diagonally. Add the chopped green onion to the boiling stew for a fresh aroma.
Step 7
Boil for another few minutes after adding all the ingredients until the Doenjang-jjigae is ready! Adjust seasoning with salt to your preference. Enjoy this delicious and comforting stew while it’s hot.
