Rich and Savory Beef Doenjang Jjigae
Make Delicious Beef Doenjang Jjigae Easily and Quickly – A Recipe from My First Cooking Days!
This is the exact Beef Doenjang Jjigae I made when I first got married! I’ve written down the recipe with the same heartfelt intention as those early cooking days. Enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal with this flavorful beef doenjang jjigae, boasting a deep and rich broth.
Main Ingredients- Beef (for bulgogi or stew) 80g
- 1/3 Korean zucchini (aehobak)
- 1/2 Onion
- 1/2 Scallion (green onion)
- 1 Korean chili pepper (cheongyang)
- 1/2 block Firm Tofu
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash and prepare all the ingredients for the stew. Finely chop the Korean chili pepper for a touch of heat, and slice the Korean zucchini and onion into half-moons or bite-sized pieces. Slice the scallion diagonally and cut the tofu into cubes. Slice the beef into manageable pieces.
Step 2
Place the sliced beef in a ttukbaegi (earthenware pot) or a regular pot. Stir-fry over medium heat until the beef is browned and has released its savory juices.
Step 3
Once the beef is partially cooked, pour in 2 cups of rice water or pre-made anchovy-kelp broth. Using rice water will add a wonderfully mild and savory depth to the soup.
Step 4
When the broth begins to boil, add 2 tablespoons of doenjang through a sieve to ensure it dissolves smoothly without lumps. Once the doenjang is fully dissolved, cover the pot and let it simmer gently over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the rich soybean paste flavor to infuse.
Step 5
After the broth has simmered and the flavor has deepened, add all the prepared vegetables such as Korean zucchini, onion, and chili pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 6
Once the vegetables are tender, gently add the cubed tofu. Be careful not to break the tofu as you stir it into the stew.
Step 7
As the jjigae simmers, skim off any foam that rises to the surface. This step helps to create a clearer broth and a cleaner, more refined taste. It removes any impurities and enhances the overall flavor.
Step 8
For an extra kick, add 1 tablespoon of gochugaru to make it spicier, or a little minced garlic for added aroma, according to your preference. Stir gently, let it simmer for a short while longer, and your delicious Beef Doenjang Jjigae is complete! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice.
