Spicy Seafood Soft Tofu Stew (Haemul Sundubu)
Hearty and Flavorful Seafood Soft Tofu Stew (Haemul Sundubu)
Perfect for a rainy or chilly day, this Haemul Sundubu jjigae (Korean soft tofu stew with seafood) is a warming and delicious meal! Packed with tender soft tofu, fresh seafood, and vibrant vegetables, this stew offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s a comforting classic that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Soft Tofu Stew Seasoning Paste- 3 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by preparing the flavorful seasoning paste for our soft tofu stew. In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of sesame oil, 2 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Mix them well. This paste will form the flavorful base of our stew.
Step 2
Now, heat a pot over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of sesame oil.
Step 3
Once the sesame oil is warm, add 2 tablespoons of gochugaru.
Step 4
Next, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
Step 5
Stirring constantly, quickly sauté the ingredients over medium heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the chili flakes; you want to release their aroma, not their bitterness.
Step 6
It’s crucial to stir-fry the seasoning quickly over medium-high heat rather than simmering it gently, to bring out the best flavor without burning. Keep a close eye on it to prevent scorching.
Step 7
Once the seasoning is fragrant, carefully pour in 500ml of water.
Step 8
Adding too much water at this stage can dilute the flavor. It’s best to start with the recommended amount and adjust the consistency later by adding more water or broth if needed. This is where the foundational broth flavor is built.
Step 9
Now, let’s prepare the ingredients for the stew. Rinse the assorted seafood thoroughly. Remove the packaging from the soft tofu. Slice the chili peppers diagonally. Cut the onion and zucchini into half-moon shapes. Slice the king oyster mushroom into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the Korean radish (mu) into half-moons. Finely chop the scallions. Cutting the vegetables into similar, manageable sizes ensures they cook evenly and are easy to eat.
Step 10
Once the broth begins to boil, add the sliced Korean radish first. This allows the radish to soften and release its subtle sweetness into the broth.
Step 11
When the radish starts to turn translucent, add the half-sliced onion.
Step 12
Then, add the half-sliced zucchini and let it cook along with the other ingredients.
Step 13
Add the sliced king oyster mushroom. Mushrooms add a wonderful texture and contribute to the overall depth of flavor in the stew.
Step 14
When the vegetables are about halfway cooked, gently add the pack of soft tofu. You can use a spoon to break the tofu into large chunks as you add it. Be gentle to keep the tofu pieces intact.
Step 15
As the stew returns to a boil after adding the tofu, stir in 1 tablespoon of soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang) for added umami. Guk-ganjang provides a deeper, more savory flavor than regular soy sauce, perfect for stews.
Step 16
Now, add a generous amount of the assorted seafood. The seafood will release its natural briny flavors, enhancing the stew’s deliciousness. Seafood cooks quickly, so it’s best added towards the end.
Step 17
Taste the stew and add a pinch of salt if needed to adjust the seasoning. Remember that the seafood may already contribute saltiness, so add salt gradually.
Step 18
Finally, add the chopped scallions. Their fresh aroma will brighten up the stew’s flavor profile.
Step 19
Add the sliced chili peppers. If you like it spicier, use Korean green chilies (cheongyang peppers), or remove the seeds for a milder heat.
Step 20
Crack the 2 eggs into the stew. Let them poach gently until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny. This adds richness and a beautiful finish. Don’t overcook the eggs for a softer yolk.
Step 21
Your delicious Seafood Soft Tofu Stew (Haemul Sundubu) is ready! Serve it piping hot with a bowl of steamed rice. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Korean classic, perfect for any occasion!