Korean Spicy Soft Tofu Soup (Sundubu-jjigae)

A comforting Korean spicy soft tofu soup featuring silky tofu, seafood mushrooms, and aromatics simmered in a rich chili broth with an egg.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped green onion
• 1 tbsp coarse chili powder
• 1 tsp fine chili powder
• 100 g seafood mushrooms
• 2 cups hot water
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tsp mushroom bouillon
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp chili paste
• 1 box soft tofu
• 1 egg
• to taste chopped green onions and sesame seeds

Instructions

1. 1Pour oil into the pot

   

   Pour equal parts of vegetable oil and sesame oil into a black stone pot on the stove to prepare the base for the soup.

   Tip: Mixing vegetable oil and sesame oil provides a high smoke point while retaining a rich, nutty flavor.
2. 2Fry the aromatics

   

   Add chopped red onion and green onion to the pot containing equal parts vegetable oil and sesame oil, and slowly fry until fragrant.

   Tip: Fry gently on medium-low heat so the onions soften and release their sweetness without burning.
3. 3Add chili powder

   

   Turn off the heat and use the residual heat to add coarse and fine chili powder into the pot, stirring well to combine with the aromatics.

   Tip: Turning off the heat prevents the chili powder from burning and turning bitter.
4. 4Add seafood mushrooms

   

   Add seafood mushrooms to the pot and stir to thoroughly coat them with the chili oil mixture.

   Tip: Coating the mushrooms in the chili oil early helps them absorb the rich flavor as they cook.
5. 5Pour in hot water

   

   Pour hot water directly into the pot containing the sautéed mushrooms and spices to create the soup broth.

   Tip: Using hot water helps maintain the cooking temperature and speeds up the boiling process.
6. 6Season the broth

   

   Season the boiling broth with light soy sauce, mushroom bouillon, and a little sugar, stirring to blend the flavors.

   Tip: Add a spoonful of chili paste here if you prefer an extra layer of spicy depth.
7. 7Add soft tofu

   

   Add a whole box of soft tofu directly into the boiling soup base.

   Tip: Add the tofu gently using a spatula so it doesnt break apart completely into the broth.
8. 8Crack an egg

   

   Crack an egg directly into the center of the simmering tofu soup.

   Tip: Cover the pot and simmer for an additional three minutes if you prefer the egg fully cooked through.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions