Rich and Rustic Soybean Pulp Stew (Kongbiji Jjigae)
A Taste of the Countryside: Authentic Soybean Pulp Stew Recipe
Inspired by a delightful visit to a rural tofu restaurant where I received some fresh soybean pulp, I’ve recreated that comforting taste at home! This hearty and savory Kongbiji Jjigae, made with tender soybean pulp and a rich broth, is perfect for a wholesome breakfast.
Ingredients- 3 cups fresh soybean pulp
- 2 Tbsp salted clams (cho-gae jeot)
- Generous amount of well-fermented kimchi
- 1 stalk green onion
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil
- 3 cups anchovy-kelp broth or rice water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Preparation: Finely chop the fermented kimchi into bite-sized pieces (about 1cm thick). Slice the green onion. If the soybean pulp is clumpy, gently break it apart to make it smooth. For the salted clams, it’s best to use mostly the clams and drain some of the excess liquid.
Step 2
In a ttukbaegi (earthenware pot) or a regular pot, add the chopped kimchi. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of perilla oil. Sauté over medium-low heat for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the kimchi to become nicely coated and softened in the oil. This step helps to mellow out any strong kimchi flavor and enhances its savory notes.
Step 3
Once the kimchi is tender from sautéing, pour in 3 cups of the anchovy-kelp broth or rice water. Using broth will make the stew much richer and more flavorful.
Step 4
When the broth begins to boil, add the prepared soybean pulp to the pot. After adding the pulp, gently stir with a spatula or ladle to break it up and prevent clumping. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture.
Step 5
Bring the stew to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it starts to bubble nicely, add 2 tablespoons of the salted clams to season. Be mindful that salted clams are quite salty, so start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste.
Step 6
Finally, add a little minced garlic (about 1/2 to 1 Tbsp, depending on your preference) and the chopped green onion. Let it simmer for a few more minutes. Soybean pulp stew becomes more flavorful as it cooks, so simmering for an additional 5-7 minutes is recommended. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salted clams or salt if needed. Enjoy this comforting and delicious stew!
