Savory Cheonggukjang Stew: A Winter Delicacy
Rich and Hearty Cheonggukjang Stew
I made a special winter Cheonggukjang stew. It’s incredibly delicious with aged kimchi. Even if the house fills with the pungent aroma of Cheonggukjang, it’s a dish I’ll gladly make a couple of times during winter for its unique flavor.
Ingredients- Cheonggukjang (fermented soybean paste) 1 block (approx. 200g)
- Tofu 1/2 block
- Beef (for stew) 50g
- Green onion 1/2 stalk
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Red pepper powder 1 Tbsp
- Radish 50g
- Aged Kimchi (well-fermented) 1/4 head (including juice)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all the ingredients for cooking. Mash the Cheonggukjang for easier mixing, dice the tofu, and slice the beef into bite-sized pieces. Chop the green onion diagonally and thinly slice the radish. Finely chop the aged kimchi, removing excess stuffing if desired.
Step 2
Dice the tofu into cubes. It’s best to cut them into slightly larger pieces so they don’t break apart too easily when added to the stew.
Step 3
Wash and finely chop the well-fermented aged kimchi. The kimchi’s flavor and seasoning will add depth to the stew. Don’t discard the kimchi juice; set it aside to use.
Step 4
All the ingredients for the stew are now ready: sliced radish, chopped green onion, mashed Cheonggukjang, diced tofu, and chopped kimchi.
Step 5
In a pot, stir-fry the sliced beef, kimchi, and minced garlic over medium heat until well combined. Once the beef is cooked and the kimchi is softened, add the sliced radish and stir-fry together. Pour in 3 cups (600ml) of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the radish becomes translucent.
Step 6
To the simmering broth, add the mashed Cheonggukjang, diced tofu, and red pepper powder. Stir well to combine. Be careful not to overcook the Cheonggukjang, as this can diminish its savory flavor. Add it to season the stew.
Step 7
Finally, add the diagonally sliced green onions and let the stew simmer for another moment. The savory aroma and deep flavor of Cheonggukjang will meld together, creating a delicious stew. Taste and adjust seasoning with soy sauce or salt if needed.
Step 8
Enjoy this hearty Cheonggukjang stew with a bowl of hot rice! This spicy and savory stew is the perfect dish to revive your appetite during the cold winter months.
