Craving something warm, spicy, and deeply satisfying? Sundubu Jjigae—a bubbling Korean stew made with extra-soft tofu, gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), and your choice of protein—is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re new to Korean cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish is simple to prepare and bursting with flavor.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup kimchi, chopped (optional for added depth)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced pork belly or beef (optional; can substitute with mushrooms for a vegetarian version)
- 1 1/2 cups anchovy or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or 1 tablespoon gochujang for a spicier version
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 tube (10 oz) sundubu (extra-soft tofu)
- 1 egg
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt, to taste
🍳 Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a Korean earthenware pot (ttukbaegi) or a small saucepan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced onions; sauté until fragrant.
- Add Protein and Kimchi: Incorporate the pork belly (or beef) and cook until browned. If using kimchi, add it now and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
- Build the Broth: Pour in the broth, add gochugaru (or gochujang for a spicier kick), and soy sauce. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add Tofu: Gently spoon the sundubu into the pot, breaking it into large chunks. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Finish with Egg and Garnish: Crack an egg into the center of the stew and let it cook for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve: Serve hot with a bowl of steamed rice and enjoy!
💡 Tips & Variations
- Seafood Version: Add clams, mussels, or shrimp for a delightful seafood twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit meat and use mushrooms like shiitake or enoki for a hearty vegetarian stew.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of gochugaru or gochujang to control the heat.
❤️ Why You’ll Love Sundubu Jjigae
Sundubu Jjigae is more than just a stew; it’s a soul-warming dish that’s both comforting and invigorating. The combination of silky tofu, spicy broth, and savory ingredients creates a harmonious balance that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your taste preferences!
Love this Sundubu Jjigae recipe? Share it with friends, and leave a comment below to let me know how yours turned out! If you added your own twist, I’d love to hear about it!