15-Minute Korean Spicy Soft Tofu Stew (Sundubu Jjigae)

This quick and incredibly comforting Sundubu Jjigae features a fiery red broth, silky soft tofu, and fresh seafood. Ready in under 15 minutes, it delivers authentic Korean diner flavors right at home.

Ingredients

• 100 g beef slices
• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• 1-2 tbsp soy sauce
• 0.5-1 tbsp minced garlic or garlic paste
• 2-3 tbsp Korean chili powder (gochugaru)
• 2 cups water
• 100 g shrimp
• 150 g fresh clams
• 1 small bunch enoki mushrooms
• 0.5-1 block Korean soft tofu (sundubu)
• 1 whole egg
• to taste salt
• 1 stalk green onion

Instructions

1. 1Add beef slices

   

   Place beef slices into a heated black pot containing a small amount of oil to begin the stew base.

   Tip: Ensure the oil is hot before adding the beef to get a good initial sear.
2. 2Pour soy sauce

   

   Pour soy sauce directly over the browning beef slices in the pot, using one spoon for a single portion or two spoons for two people.

   Tip: Add the soy sauce directly onto the meat and hot pan surface to create a fragrant, caramelized aroma.
3. 3Add garlic paste

   

   Add garlic paste to the pot using a spoon, measuring half a spoon for one person or a full spoon for two people.

   Tip: Stir the garlic quickly with the beef so it infuses the oil without burning.
4. 4Add chili powder

   

   Turn off the heat temporarily, then add red chili powder (coarse or fine) into the pot, measuring two spoons for one person or three spoons for two people.

   Tip: Turning off the heat before adding chili powder prevents it from scorching and turning bitter in the hot oil.
5. 5Pour water

   

   Turn the heat back on and pour water into the pot, using an amount roughly equivalent to the water needed for instant noodles (about 2 cups).

   Tip: Adjust the water level based on how concentrated you want your final soft tofu stew broth to be.
6. 6Add shrimp

   

   Drop shrimp into the actively boiling red soup broth to build the seafood flavor profile.

   Tip: Shrimp cooks very quickly in boiling broth, so add them just before other delicate ingredients.
7. 7Add clams

   

   Add fresh clams directly into the boiling spicy soup base to infuse the broth with a natural seafood sweetness.

   Tip: Make sure the clams are clean and scrubbed before adding them to the pot.
8. 8Add enoki mushrooms

   

   Take a portion of clean enoki mushrooms and place them into the boiling stew.

   Tip: Trim the roots of the enoki mushrooms and separate them slightly before adding for even cooking.
9. 9Add soft tofu

   

   Slide soft tofu chunks into the bubbling pot, using a spoon to portion it neatly.

   Tip: Soft tofu breaks apart easily, so handle it gently when adding to the hot broth.
10. 10Add egg

    

    Crack a fresh egg directly into the center of the boiling stew to enrich the flavor and texture.

    Tip: Leave the egg undisturbed if you prefer a soft, poach-style yolk in your stew.
11. 11Season with salt

    

    Sprinkle a little salt into the stew to balance and adjust the final seasoning.

    Tip: Taste the broth carefully before adding salt, as the clams and soy sauce already provide sodium.
12. 12Garnish with green onions

    

    Top the finished stew with freshly chopped green onions just before turning off the heat.

    Tip: Adding green onions at the very end keeps their color bright and adds a fresh aroma.

Storing & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions