Spicy and Silken Tofu Stew (Sundubu Jjigae)
[ManGae Encyclopedia] EP. 19: The Irresistible Sundubu Jjigae That Warms You Up with Its Bubbling Sound
The bubbling sound of stew simmering always tantalizes our appetites. With its soft silken tofu and a rich egg yolk, ‘Sundubu Jjigae’ is a beloved stew for its spicy and refreshing taste! This recipe will guide you to create a deeply flavorful and comforting stew right in your own kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Stew- 1 packet Silken Tofu (The star for its incredibly soft texture!)
- 1/2 Onion (Adds sweetness and depth of flavor)
- 10 cm Green Onion (Provides a refreshing taste and aromatic finish)
- 500ml Water (The base for our savory broth)
Flavor-Boosting Seasoning Paste- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce for Soup (Enhances umami)
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce (For a rich and complex flavor)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) (The key to its spicy kick! Adjust to your preference)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic (Removes any unwanted odors and boosts aroma)
Optional Ingredients for Extra Delight- 1 pack Mixed Seafood (Highly recommended for a taste of the sea!)
- 1 Cheongyang Pepper (For extra spiciness, if you like it hot)
- 1 Egg (A perfect pairing with the silky tofu!)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce for Soup (Enhances umami)
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce (For a rich and complex flavor)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) (The key to its spicy kick! Adjust to your preference)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic (Removes any unwanted odors and boosts aroma)
Optional Ingredients for Extra Delight- 1 pack Mixed Seafood (Highly recommended for a taste of the sea!)
- 1 Cheongyang Pepper (For extra spiciness, if you like it hot)
- 1 Egg (A perfect pairing with the silky tofu!)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by preparing the vegetables. Dice the onion into 1cm cubes. Slice the green onion diagonally about 0.5cm thick, ready to add its fresh aroma.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the heart of our delicious stew: the seasoning paste! In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce for Soup, 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce, 2 Tbsp Gochugaru, and 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic. Mix them well. This paste will be responsible for the stew’s deep flavor.
Step 3
In a pot, generously add cooking oil and heat it over low heat. Add the diced onion and sliced green onion, and stir-fry them gently. Cook until the vegetables become translucent and release a sweet aroma. Stir-frying them like this will significantly enhance their natural sweetness.
Step 4
Once the vegetables are nicely sautéed, add the prepared seasoning paste and stir-fry for another minute. The seasoning will meld with the vegetables, creating an even richer flavor. Be careful not to burn it; stir-fry over medium-low heat for about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5
It’s time to complete the stew’s flavor! To the sautéed seasoning base, add the soft silken tofu in large pieces. Pour in the mixed seafood (optional) and 500ml of water. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. If you’re using seafood, adding it now will create a more robust flavor.
Step 6
Once the stew comes to a boil, reduce the heat slightly and crack in 1 egg. You can leave the egg yolk intact for a richer texture or gently stir it in for a creamier broth. Continue to simmer for another 1-2 minutes until the egg is cooked. Your delicious Sundubu Jjigae is now ready to be enjoyed hot!
