Spicy and Hearty Korean Beef Stew (So-gogi Jjigae)
Home-Cooked Meal Idea: Spicy Beef Stew for Dinner
On a chilly Friday evening, when you’re pondering what to make for dinner, this spicy beef stew is the perfect solution. Enjoyed with a warm bowl of rice, it makes for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Main Ingredients
- 100g beef (stew meat or steak cut)
- 1 medium potato
- 1/2 block firm tofu
- 3 small king oyster mushrooms
- 1/4 onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thaw the frozen beef slightly until it’s semi-frozen, making it easier to slice. If using steak, cut it against the grain and make shallow diagonal cuts to tenderize and help it absorb flavors better.
Step 2
Prepare the aromatics. Finely chop the 3 scallions and set aside 1 Tbsp of minced garlic. If you have regular green onions or even leeks, they can be used here as well.
Step 3
Prepare the vegetables that add texture and flavor. Peel and dice the potato into bite-sized cubes. Finely mince the 2 Korean green chili peppers after removing the seeds to control the heat level. Thinly slice the onion and cut the 3 small king oyster mushrooms into 2-3 pieces each. Cut the 1/2 block of tofu into 1.5cm cubes.
Step 4
Heat 1 Tbsp of sesame oil in a pot over medium-low heat. Add 1 Tbsp of gochugaru and stir-fry it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, creating chili oil. Be careful not to burn the gochugaru; a gentle fry is key.
Step 5
Once the chili oil is fragrant, add the prepared beef to the pot and stir-fry. Cook until the beef is no longer pink. Season with a pinch of black pepper to enhance the flavor and reduce any gamey notes.
Step 6
Pour in 2.5 cups of water (about 500ml) and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 3 minutes. This step helps cook the beef thoroughly and develops a richer broth.
Step 7
When the stew is bubbling vigorously, add the diced potatoes. Continue to simmer until the potatoes are tender. Potatoes are in season and delicious even when steamed, but in this stew, they become soft and soak up the flavorful broth.
Step 8
The stew is now developing a rich aroma and a very appealing look as it simmers. It’s starting to look delicious! (^-^)
Step 9
Time to season the stew. Add 2 Tbsp of tuna extract (or Korean soup soy sauce) and 1 tsp of sugar. These add depth and a touch of sweetness. Start with this amount, and you can adjust with salt later if needed.
Step 10
Begin adding the remaining ingredients for the spicy beef stew. First, add the chopped scallions and minced garlic to boost the fragrant flavors.
Step 11
Next, add the sliced onion, cubed tofu, and king oyster mushrooms. As these vegetables cook, they will contribute to a richer and more complex flavor profile.
Step 12
Simmer for about 5 more minutes, allowing all the ingredients to meld together. Once everything is cooked through and the broth has slightly thickened, your stew is ready. Serve it directly from the pot to the table while hot. It’s a simple yet perfect dinner for a cool day.
