Savory Napa Cabbage Doenjang Guk (Soybean Paste Stew)
Napa Cabbage Doenjang Stew
Discover the rich and savory flavors of Napa Cabbage Doenjang Guk! Napa cabbage is over 95% water, promoting healthy urination. It’s low in calories and high in dietary fiber, aiding digestion and helping to prevent constipation and colon cancer. Packed with minerals like calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, plus Vitamin C, it’s also great for preventing and treating colds. Importantly, Vitamin C in Napa cabbage is less susceptible to heat and sodium loss, making it a nutritious choice for soups and kimchi. Enjoy this hearty and healthy stew made with nutrient-rich Napa cabbage!
Main Ingredients- 1/2 head fresh Napa cabbage
- 50g mixed seafood (frozen)
- 3 seafood flavor bouillon cubes
- 1/2 stalk fresh green onion (scallion)
- 2 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In a deep pot, add ample water. Toss in the mixed seafood and 3 seafood flavor bouillon cubes to create a savory seafood broth first. Allowing the broth to simmer will enhance its depth of flavor.
Step 2
Trim the tough base of the Napa cabbage. Wash the leaves thoroughly under running water, shaking out any dirt or debris. Drain well in a colander. Thorough washing ensures a clean final dish.
Step 3
Once drained, cut the Napa cabbage into bite-sized pieces. They shouldn’t be too large to cook easily, nor too small to lose their texture. Aim for pieces that are easy to eat in one bite.
Step 4
Slice the fresh green onion diagonally, about 0.5cm thick. This slicing method allows the fragrant aroma to infuse the soup beautifully and adds visual appeal.
Step 5
Place the 2 Tbsp of Doenjang into a fine-mesh sieve set over the pot and dissolve it in a small amount of broth or water. Stirring gently until smooth will result in a clearer, more delicious soup.
Step 6
Similarly, place the 1/2 Tbsp of Gochujang into the sieve and dissolve it thoroughly. Combining the Doenjang and Gochujang will create a richer, more complex savory flavor.
Step 7
Now, add all the cut Napa cabbage to the broth where the Doenjang and Gochujang have been dissolved. Stir well to ensure the cabbage is submerged in the liquid.
Step 8
Add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic and bring the stew to a simmer over medium heat. Cook until the Napa cabbage is tender and cooked through. As the cabbage softens, the flavors will deepen considerably.
Step 9
Once the Napa cabbage is tender and the stew is simmering, add the sliced green onions as a final touch and cook for another minute. Once the fragrant aroma of the green onions has infused the soup, turn off the heat. Adjust seasoning with salt or additional Doenjang to your preference, and enjoy your delicious stew!
