Spicy Korean Tofu Stew: Authentic and Delicious

Spicy Korean Tofu Stew, also known as sundubu-jjigae, is a famous traditional dish from the land of kimchi. This stew is not only appealing due to its distinctive spicy flavor but also provides warmth on chilly days. Let’s explore how to prepare this unique dish through the following article.

Ingredients Needed

To cook Spicy Korean Tofu Stew for 2-3 people, you will need:

Ingredients for Spicy Korean Tofu Stew

• 350g soft tofu (sundubu)
• 110g clams
• 3-4 shrimp
• 100g enoki mushrooms
• 2 shiitake mushrooms
• 1 egg
• 1 scallion

Broth Ingredients:

• 360ml anchovy and kelp broth
• 1 tablespoon chili oil
• 2 tablespoons Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ½ tablespoon fish sauce
• ½ tablespoon soy sauce
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• ½ tablespoon sesame oil

Steps to Follow

Preparing the Ingredients:

• Cut the soft tofu into bite-sized rounds.
• Soak the clams in water to purge sand, then rinse clean.
• Clean the shrimp, removing the heads, veins, and shells.
• Rinse the enoki mushrooms and trim the roots.
• Rinse and chop the shiitake mushrooms.
• Rinse and finely chop the scallion.

Preparing the Ingredients

Cooking Process:

1. Sautéing the Base
   Heat a pot over low heat and add chili oil, Korean chili flakes, and minced garlic. Stir constantly for about a minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.

Sautéing the Base

2. Sautéing the Seafood
   Add the clams and shrimp, stirring quickly to coat them evenly with the seasonings. Then add fish sauce and soy sauce, continuing to stir.

Sautéing the Seafood

3. Cooking the Broth
   Pour in the anchovy and kelp broth, and bring to a boil over high heat (2-3 minutes). If you don’t have broth, you can use water as a substitute.

Cooking the Broth

4. Finishing the Dish
   Add the soft tofu, mushrooms, and egg, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until done. Add salt if necessary. Finally, add the scallion, black pepper, and sesame oil.

Finished Product and Enjoyment

A properly made Spicy Korean Tofu Stew should have an attractive red color from the chili flakes, a strong aroma from the chili oil and garlic. The spicy heat blends with the sweet taste of the seafood and broth, combined with the soft texture of the tofu, creating a wonderful culinary experience.

Enjoy the stew while it’s hot with steamed rice and banchan (side dishes) to fully appreciate the unique flavors of Korean cuisine.

Conclusion

With the detailed recipe above, you can easily make Spicy Korean Tofu Stew at home. Experiment and adjust the spiciness to suit your taste for the most enjoyable meal. Don’t forget to share your results with us!

Source: Compiled from cooking experience and Korean recipe research.