Clear Oyster Soft Tofu Stew
A Light and Comforting Oyster Soft Tofu Stew Perfect for Breakfast
Forget the intense spiciness of red soft tofu stew; experience the pure charm of this white, clear version. It’s gentle on the stomach, even in the morning, offering a light and comforting meal. The clean, refreshing broth will help you start your day feeling satisfied and at ease.
Stew Ingredients- 1 block soft tofu
- 1/2 zucchini
- 1 cup fresh oysters
- 1 cup kelp broth (water can be used)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- A little green onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the fresh oysters. Lightly coat the oysters with coarse salt, gently rub them, and then rinse thoroughly under running water two to three times. Drain them well in a sieve. This step helps to remove any fishy smell and ensures a clean flavor.
Step 2
In a pot for the stew, gently break apart 1 block of soft tofu and add it. Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and then into about 1 cm thick pieces, adding them to the pot as well. Slicing the zucchini slightly thicker will help it maintain its shape when cooked.
Step 3
Pour in 1 cup (about 200ml) of prepared kelp broth. Using kelp broth will add a deeper, more refreshing flavor to the stew, but plain water is also acceptable. Add 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic, cover the pot with a lid, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly.
Step 4
Once the broth begins to boil, continue to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the zucchini is slightly tender. This allows the zucchini’s natural sweetness to infuse into the broth, enhancing its flavor.
Step 5
Now, add the prepared fresh oysters to the pot. Oysters can become tough if overcooked, so it’s best to add them and bring the stew back to a boil over high heat immediately.
Step 6
As the oysters start to cook, add a generous amount of diagonally sliced green onion and let it simmer for another moment. The refreshing aroma of the green onion will spread throughout the stew, balancing the flavors.
Step 7
Finally, season the stew. Adjust the taste with salted shrimp, soup soy sauce, or salt according to your preference. Using salted shrimp adds an extra savory depth. Serve with the optional seasoned sauce on the side.
Step 8
If you’d like to make the optional special sauce, combine plenty of finely chopped chives (or green onion) in a small bowl with sesame seeds, soy sauce, cooking wine, Omija extract (or sugar), minced Cheongyang chili pepper, and sesame oil (or perilla oil). Mix well. You can spoon this sauce over rice to enjoy with the stew, or add a little directly into the stew for a richer flavor experience.
