Spicy Korean Tofu Clay Pot (Sundubu Jjigae Style)

A rustic, bubbling Korean clay pot featuring silken tofu in a fiery, savory broth. This comforting dish balances tender pork, sweet aromatics, and bold spice.

Ingredients

• 300g soft tofu
• 100g minced pork
• 1/2 cup Napa cabbage
• 1/4 cup sliced red onion
• 2 tbsp Korean chili paste (gochujang)
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp white sugar
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cooking wine
• 1 tsp chopped ginger
• 2 tbsp chopped scallions
• 2 green chilies, sliced
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the sauce base

   

   In a small mixing bowl, combine one spoonful of light soy sauce, half a spoonful of oyster sauce, a moderate amount of chili powder, sesame seeds, and a pinch of white sugar. Stir these ingredients thoroughly to create the foundation for the soups flavor.

   Tip: Adjust the chili powder to your preferred heat level.
2. 2Incorporate chili paste and water

   

   Add a dollop of Korean chili paste and a small amount of water to the sauce mixture. Stir continuously until the paste is fully dissolved and the sauce reaches a uniform consistency.

   Tip: Using warm water can help dissolve the chili paste more quickly.
3. 3Sauté the pork

   

   In a separate pan, stir-fry the minced pork over medium heat until it changes color. Add chopped scallions and ginger for aromatic flavor, along with a spoonful of cooking wine, then continue to stir until well-combined and fragrant. Set the mixture aside.

   Tip: Ensure the pork is fully browned to maximize flavor depth.
4. 4Prepare the clay pot

   

   Take a clay pot and arrange a layer of sliced red onion and fresh Napa cabbage at the bottom. These vegetables will serve as the base, providing sweetness and texture to the dish.

   Tip: Ensure the onions are evenly distributed to flavor the base of the pot.
5. 5Layer the tofu

   

   Carefully place pieces of soft tofu into the clay pot, positioning them on top of the cabbage and onion bed. Arrange the tofu pieces gently to ensure they stay intact during the simmering process.

   Tip: Handle the soft tofu carefully to avoid breaking the pieces.
6. 6Combine and simmer

   

   Pour the cooked pork and the prepared sauce over the tofu in the clay pot. Add a few green chili slices for a final touch, cover the pot, and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes until the flavors are fully melded.

   Tip: Simmering on low heat ensures the tofu absorbs the sauce without falling apart.
7. 7Add green chilies

   

   To finish preparing the pot for cooking, add a few sliced green chilies on top of the layered tofu, pork, and vegetables. Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.

   Tip: Adjust the amount of chili based on your spice preference, but keep the heat low to avoid burning the bottom.

Storage & Reheating

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Frequently Asked Questions