Spicy and Savory Tofu Stew (Dubu Jjigae)
A Hearty Dinner Solution with Just One Block of Tofu: Dubu Jjigae
Wondering what to make for dinner tonight? How about a flavorful and spicy Tofu Stew (Dubu Jjigae) using just one block of tofu? It’s incredibly simple to prepare but boasts a taste that’s absolutely delicious. This stew is a perfect side for rice, making your evening meal complete. ^^
Main Ingredients- 1 block of tofu (silken or firm tofu both work)
- 2 cups anchovy broth (or kelp broth)
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 green onion, chopped or diagonally sliced
- 1 red chili pepper, seeds removed and diagonally sliced
Seasoning Ingredients (Key to Flavor!)- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp salted fermented shrimp (saeu-jeot) for umami
- 1 Tbsp red chili flakes (gochugaru) (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for soup)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (for finishing aroma)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp salted fermented shrimp (saeu-jeot) for umami
- 1 Tbsp red chili flakes (gochugaru) (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for soup)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (for finishing aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the Tofu: Rinse the block of tofu lightly under running water. Then, cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm cubes or rectangular shapes. Avoid cutting them too small, as they might break apart while cooking.
Step 2
Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice the 1/2 onion. Chop or diagonally slice the 1/2 green onion. Remove the stem and seeds from the red chili pepper and slice it diagonally. If you like it spicier, you can add a Korean green chili pepper (cheongyang-gochu).
Step 3
Boil Broth and Add Ingredients: Pour 2 cups of anchovy broth into a pot and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once the broth is boiling, carefully add the prepared tofu, followed by the sliced onion. The onion will release its sweetness as it cooks.
Step 4
Add Seasonings and Simmer: After adding the tofu and onion and bringing the stew back to a boil, add all the prepared seasoning ingredients. Stir in 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp salted fermented shrimp, 1 Tbsp red chili flakes, and 1 Tbsp fish sauce. Stir gently to combine the flavors.
Step 5
Finishing Touches: Once the stew returns to a boil after adding the seasonings, add the chopped green onion and sliced red chili pepper. Simmer briefly until the vegetables are slightly tender. Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 1 Tbsp of perilla oil for a wonderfully nutty aroma. Your delicious Tofu Stew is ready!
