Delicious Korean Feast for Four on a Budget: Braised Tofu, Stir-fried Mushrooms, Tteokgalbi, Zucchini Pancakes, and Doenjang Jjigae

Impress your guests! Create a spectacular meal using just 4 main ingredients.

Delicious Korean Feast for Four on a Budget: Braised Tofu, Stir-fried Mushrooms, Tteokgalbi, Zucchini Pancakes, and Doenjang Jjigae

Discover a fantastic recipe that allows a family of four to enjoy a satisfying meal with groceries costing just around 10,000 KRW (approximately $10 USD). Get ready for a delightful dining experience! ^^

Recipe Info

  • Category : Main dish
  • Ingredient Category : Pork
  • Occasion : Everyday
  • Cooking : Stir-fry
  • Servings : 4 servings
  • Cooking Time : Within 2 hours
  • Difficulty : Beginner

Savory Stir-fried Oyster Mushrooms

  • 150g Oyster mushrooms
  • A little green onion (chopped)
  • A little carrot (julienned)
  • 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or similar)
  • 1 Tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
  • A pinch of black pepper
  • A pinch of salt

Sweet and Savory Braised Tofu

  • 400g Tofu (firm or medium-firm)
  • A little onion (julienned)
  • A little green onion (chopped)
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or similar)
  • 1/2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
  • 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
  • A pinch of black pepper

Hearty Tteokgalbi (Korean Grilled Short Rib Patties)

  • 300g Ground pork (shoulder or front leg recommended)
  • 2 Tbsp breadcrumbs
  • A pinch of black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or similar)
  • 1/2 Onion (finely minced)
  • 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic

Golden Zucchini Pancakes

  • 3/4 Zucchini (sliced about 1.5cm thick)
  • A pinch of salt
  • 2 Tbsp pancake mix
  • 1 Egg

Flavorful Doenjang Jjigae (Soybean Paste Stew)

  • 50g Oyster mushrooms
  • 1/4 Zucchini (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1/4 Onion (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 100g Tofu (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • A little green onion (chopped)
  • 2 Tbsp soybean paste (doenjang)
  • 1 Anchovy-kelp stock pack
  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
  • 800ml Water

Cooking Instructions

Step 1

[Stir-fried Mushrooms] First, trim the tough ends of the oyster mushrooms. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water, then gently separate them into bite-sized strands with your hands.

Step 1

Step 2

Finely chop the green onion and julienne the carrot after peeling its skin. These vegetables add both color and flavor to the dish.

Step 2

Step 3

Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped green onion, and julienned carrots. Sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3

Step 4

Once the green onions and carrots begin to soften slightly, add the prepared oyster mushrooms to the pan. Stir-fry them until they wilt and release their moisture.

Step 4

Step 5

When the mushrooms are cooked through, season with soy sauce, cooking wine, a pinch of black pepper, and salt to taste. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a nutty aroma. Your delicious stir-fried mushrooms are ready!

Step 5

Step 6

[Braised Tofu] Cut the tofu into approximately 1cm thick slices. Pat the surface dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Lightly sprinkle salt on both sides of the tofu; this helps it absorb flavor better and firm up slightly.

Step 6

Step 7

Chop the green onion and julienne the onion. These will add a natural sweetness to the braised tofu.

Step 7

Step 8

Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the seasoned tofu slices in the hot oil and pan-fry them until golden brown on both sides. This step prevents the tofu from breaking apart during braising.

Step 8

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp cooking wine, 1/2 Tbsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well to create the braising sauce.

Step 9

Step 10

Once the tofu is golden on one side, carefully flip it over. Arrange the julienned onions on one side of the pan, then pour the prepared sauce over the tofu. Top with the chopped green onions. Cover the pan and let it simmer over low heat until the sauce thickens and the ingredients are tender and flavorful.

Step 10

Step 11

[Tteokgalbi] Finely mince the onion. Sauté the minced onion in a lightly oiled pan until translucent and slightly softened. This step removes excess moisture, improving the texture of the patties.

Step 11

Step 12

In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, sautéed and cooled onion, breadcrumbs, black pepper, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp cooking wine, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, and 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil. Knead the mixture thoroughly with your hands until it becomes sticky and well-combined. A good knead ensures the patties hold together and have a pleasant texture.

Step 12

Step 13

Heat a little oil in a non-stick pan over low heat. Shape the mixture into round, flattened patties and place them in the pan. Cook over medium-low heat, flipping them occasionally, until they are cooked through and nicely browned on both sides. Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the patties.

Step 13

Step 14

[Zucchini Pancakes] Slice the zucchini into rounds or half-moons, about 0.5 to 0.7cm thick. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the slices and let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 14

Step 15

Crack one egg into a bowl. Add a tiny pinch of salt and whisk well. This seasoned egg batter will coat the zucchini.

Step 15

Step 16

Lightly dust the dried zucchini slices with pancake mix, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them into the whisked egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess egg.

Step 16

Step 17

Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Carefully place the egg-coated zucchini slices into the hot oil. Fry them until golden brown and crisp on both sides. Enjoy these delicious zucchini pancakes!

Step 17

Step 18

[Doenjang Jjigae] Pour 800ml of water into a pot and add the anchovy-kelp stock pack. Bring to a boil to create a flavorful broth. If you don’t have a stock pack, you can use dried anchovies and kelp directly.

Step 18

Step 19

Prepare the vegetables for the stew. Tear the oyster mushrooms into pieces. Cut the zucchini and onion into bite-sized chunks. Dice the tofu similarly.

Step 19

Step 20

Once the broth is boiling, add the chopped onion, zucchini, and oyster mushrooms. Cook until the vegetables are tender.

Step 20

Step 21

When the vegetables are partially cooked, dissolve the soybean paste into the broth by passing it through a sieve to avoid lumps. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to enhance the stew’s savory and slightly spicy flavor.

Step 21

Step 22

Finally, add the diced tofu and chopped green onions. Let the stew simmer for a few more minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors meld. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Doenjang Jjigae!

Step 22



Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Youtube