Savory Pork and Soybean Paste Stew (Gang Doenjang)
Mastering the Hearty Pork Gang Doenjang: A Comforting Korean Stew Recipe
Hello everyone! The weather has turned quite chilly lately, hasn’t it? And with the ongoing concerns about going out, the cold just adds to it. Today, we’re going to make a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish: Pork Gang Doenjang. This hearty stew can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Ready to get started?
Ingredients- 330g ground pork
- 1 block firm tofu
- 800ml water
- 4 heaping tablespoons doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1/2 onion (finely minced)
- A small amount of Cheongyang chili peppers (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by adding 330g of ground pork to a pot. The juices released from the pork will add a rich depth of flavor to the Gang Doenjang.
Step 2
Next, pour in 800ml of water and add 4 heaping tablespoons of doenjang to the pot with the pork. The savory notes of the doenjang will beautifully complement the pork.
Step 3
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts to bubble vigorously, you’re ready for the next steps.
Step 4
As the water boils, stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar. Sugar helps to balance the saltiness of the doenjang and adds a pleasant sweetness and umami.
Step 5
Following that, add 2 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). This will introduce a gentle spiciness, making the stew even more delicious.
Step 6
Now, add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic. The aromatic punch of garlic will elevate the overall flavor profile of the Gang Doenjang.
Step 7
Carefully add 1 block of firm tofu, cut into bite-sized cubes. The tofu will soften the stew and contribute to a satisfying texture.
Step 8
Gently stir to ensure the tofu is submerged, then it’s time to add the remaining vegetables.
Step 9
Add 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions. The natural sweetness of the green onions will subtly infuse the stew, enhancing its aroma and flavor.
Step 10
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a small amount of finely chopped Cheongyang chili peppers. Feel free to adjust the quantity to your preference.
Step 11
Finally, incorporate the finely minced half onion. The onion’s sweetness will naturally dissolve into the broth, making the Gang Doenjang even more delightful.
Step 12
With all the ingredients in the pot, simmer over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the stew has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The total cooking time, including the simmering, should be around 20-25 minutes.
Step 13
Serve this delicious Pork Gang Doenjang generously over a bowl of warm rice for an incredibly satisfying meal. Enjoy your homemade Gang Doenjang!
