Korean Hangover Soybean Paste Stew (Doenjang Jjigae)
Revitalize with this authentic Korean hangover stew. Featuring a rich, bubbling broth of doenjang and ssamjang, loaded with tofu and fresh vegetables for the ultimate comforting meal.
Known in Korea as the ultimate comfort food and a popular hangover cure, Doenjang Jjigae relies on fermented soybean paste for its deep, umami-rich flavor. The addition of ssamjang adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the spicy kick of fresh green and red chilies. Best served bubbling hot in an earthenware pot, it is a quintessential staple of the Korean table.
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 2 tbsp soybean paste (doenjang)
- 1 tbsp ssamjang
- 1 tbsp chili powder (gochugaru)
- 0.5 tbsp beef bouillon powder
- 1/3 whole zucchini
- 1/3 whole onion
- 1/2 block tofu
- to taste green chilies
- 1 stalk scallions
- to taste red millet peppers
Instructions
- 1Add Soybean Paste
Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add two spoons of soybean paste directly into the boiling water.
Tip: Stir the soybean paste well so it dissolves completely into the broth base. - 2Add Ssamjang
Add one spoon of ssamjang into the bubbling broth and stir it well to incorporate its rich savory flavor.
Tip: Ssamjang adds a unique depth and slight sweetness to the soup base. - 3Add Chili Powder
Add one spoon of chili powder into the bubbling broth to give the soup its signature vibrant color and heat.
Tip: Adjust the amount of chili powder depending on your preferred spice level. - 4Season with Beef Bouillon
Stir in half a spoon of beef bouillon powder to enhance the savory umami profile of the soup base.
Tip: Mix thoroughly to ensure the powder dissolves evenly into the liquid. - 5Add Zucchini
Drop one-third of a chopped zucchini from a wooden cutting board directly into the pot.
Tip: Cut the zucchini into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. - 6Add Onion
Add one-third of a chopped onion into the simmering stew along with the other vegetables.
Tip: Onions release natural sweetness as they simmer in the spicy broth. - 7Add Cubed Tofu
Carefully drop the freshly cut cubes of tofu into the bubbling broth, allowing them to absorb the rich flavors as they cook.
Tip: Add the tofu gently to avoid splashing the hot broth. - 8Add Green Chilies and Scallions
Scrape the sliced green chilies and fresh scallions directly into the simmering soup pot to add a sharp, aromatic freshness and a mild hint of heat.
Tip: Adding green onions near the end keeps their vibrant color and fresh bite. - 9Simmer the Stew
Let the stew simmer gently on low heat while stirring it occasionally with a spoon to ensure all the ingredients blend harmoniously together.
Tip: Keep the heat low so the vegetables soften evenly without boiling over.
