Savory and Umami-Rich Gang Doenjang (Spicy Soybean Paste)
Gang Doenjang with Tofu and Plenty of Vegetables! A Not-Too-Salty Ssamjang Perfect for Bibimbap
Spring is here, and with it comes a desire for unique and exciting flavors! Today, I’m sharing a simple yet deeply flavorful recipe for Gang Doenjang (Spicy Soybean Paste) that’s perfect for those languid spring days. It’s not too salty, making it wonderfully delicious just mixed with rice, or even better piled generously onto fresh leafy greens for a satisfying ssam (wrap). The addition of shiitake mushrooms and dried anchovies creates a rich umami and savory depth, even without meat. Packed with various vegetables, this Gang Doenjang is also a fantastic way to get your vitamins. I hope this recipe helps you shake off the spring languor and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal!
Main Ingredients- 1/2 block Tofu (approx. 150g)
- 1/4 Zucchini (approx. 50g)
- 1/2 Onion (approx. 50g)
- 1/2 Green Onion (approx. 50g)
- 2 Shiitake Mushrooms (approx. 30g)
- 2 Korean Chili Peppers (e.g., Cheongyang) (optional)
- 15 Dried Anchovies (for broth, approx. 10g)
Seasoning and Frying Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Doenjang (Soybean Paste) (approx. 60g)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Red Chili Paste) (approx. 30g)
- 300ml Water
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Doenjang (Soybean Paste) (approx. 60g)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Red Chili Paste) (approx. 30g)
- 300ml Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, finely chop all the ingredients for the Gang Doenjang: zucchini, onion, green onion, shiitake mushrooms, Korean chili peppers, and tofu. Mincing the vegetables finely will result in a smoother and tastier paste.
Step 2
Prepare the dried anchovies by removing their heads and the hard innards. This step is crucial to reduce any bitterness or fishy taste.
Step 3
Heat a dry pan over medium heat. Add the prepared anchovies and roast them until they become fragrant and brittle, making a crisp sound when touched. Be careful not to burn them.
Step 4
Once roasted and crispy, let the anchovies cool completely. Then, crush or mince them as finely as possible using a knife or other kitchen tools. The savory flavor of the anchovies will add depth to the Gang Doenjang.
Step 5
Now, add 1 tablespoon of perilla oil and 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to the pan. Perilla oil adds a nutty aroma, while cooking oil helps prevent the ingredients from burning.
Step 6
Once the pan is moderately heated, add the minced green onion and minced garlic. Stir-fry them over low heat to release their fragrance. It’s important to sauté them slowly so their sweetness and aroma infuse into the oil.
Step 7
As the green onion and garlic become fragrant, add 2 tablespoons of doenjang and 1 tablespoon of gochujang. Stir-fry them together over medium-low heat, ensuring they don’t burn. This step helps mellow the pastes and meld their flavors.
Step 8
After stir-frying the pastes with the aromatics for about 1-2 minutes until well combined, add the pre-chopped onion, zucchini, and shiitake mushrooms. Sauté them until the vegetables begin to soften slightly.
Step 9
Pour in 300ml of water. Adding the water first helps to loosen the paste and ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed as it simmers.
Step 10
Now, add the crumbled tofu, finely chopped Korean chili peppers, and the minced anchovies. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 11
Once the Gang Doenjang is boiling vigorously, reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a desired consistency (like a thick stew). Taste the Gang Doenjang, and if it’s too salty, add a tiny pinch of sugar to balance the saltiness.
Step 12
Your delicious Gang Doenjang, with its not-too-salty and rich flavor, is ready! It’s fantastic simply mixed with rice, or even better when piled generously onto fresh lettuce wraps for a delightful ssam. Enjoy the chewy shiitake mushrooms and the savory anchovies that create a wonderful texture and deep flavor combination. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
