Korean Soft Tofu Stew (Sundubu-jjigae)

Experience the bold, comforting flavors of Korean soft tofu stew, featuring tender tofu simmered in a rich, spicy broth seasoned with gochujang and doenjang.

Ingredients

• 400 g soft tofu
• 1 onion
• 2 green chili peppers
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp Korean chili paste (gochujang)
• 1 tbsp soybean paste (doenjang)
• 1 tbsp Korean fish sauce
• 2 stalks green onion

Instructions

1. 1Slice the tofu

   

   Place a block of firm tofu on a cutting board and cut it into uniform slices about 0.8 cm thick. Consistent thickness ensures the tofu cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the spicy broth.

   Tip: Use a sharp knife and steady pressure to get clean slices without crumbling the tofu.
2. 2Prepare vegetables

   

   Chop the onion into bite-sized chunks and slice the green chili peppers diagonally. These aromatics will provide depth and a fresh, spicy kick to the stew.

   Tip: Keep the chili slices uniform so they release their heat gradually into the broth.
3. 3Mince the garlic

   

   Finely mince the garlic cloves using a chefs knife. Freshly minced garlic is essential for building the foundational flavor of the stew.

   Tip: Mincing garlic finely allows it to dissolve into the broth, flavoring every spoonful.
4. 4Create the broth base

   

   Add two spoonfuls of Korean chili paste (gochujang) and a spoonful of soybean paste (doenjang) into a pot of boiling water. Stir well until the pastes are fully dissolved and the broth turns a rich, spicy red.

   Tip: Dissolving the pastes thoroughly is key to a smooth, flavorful broth without clumps.
5. 5Season the broth

   

   Add a small amount of Korean fish sauce to the boiling broth. This adds a crucial savory, umami depth to the spicy base.

   Tip: Fish sauce is potent, so add it gradually and taste the broth to reach your desired seasoning level.
6. 6Combine ingredients

   

   Carefully add the chopped onion and the pre-sliced tofu into the bubbling spicy stew. Allow the ingredients to simmer together so the tofu absorbs the savory flavors of the broth.

   Tip: Add the tofu gently to avoid breaking the slices while they simmer.
7. 7Add aromatics and simmer

   

   Add the sliced green chilies and green onions into the bubbling stew. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors of the fresh aromatics to infuse into the broth.

   Tip: Add the green onions toward the end to maintain their fresh color and slight crunch.
8. 8Finish with minced garlic

   

   Stir in the freshly minced garlic as the final touch. The garlic adds a punch of flavor that rounds out the spiciness of the stew just before serving.

   Tip: Adding garlic at the very end preserves its pungent, aromatic quality.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions