Napa Cabbage Soybean Paste Stew (Baechu Doenjang Guk)
A Delicious Napa Cabbage Soybean Paste Stew, Perfect with Boiled Pork Belly
I also made a doenjang guk to enjoy with my boiled pork belly! This hearty stew features tender napa cabbage and crunchy bean sprouts in a savory broth.
Main Ingredients- 5 leaves of young napa cabbage (Albaegi Baechu)
- 2 handfuls of soybean sprouts (approx. 100g)
- 1 stalk of green onion (mostly the white part)
Seasoning & Broth Base- 2 Tbsp soybean paste (Doenjang)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp tuna extract or soy sauce for soup (Chamchi aek)
- 1 tsp Dashida (MSG-based seasoning, optional)
- 2 Tbsp soybean paste (Doenjang)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp tuna extract or soy sauce for soup (Chamchi aek)
- 1 tsp Dashida (MSG-based seasoning, optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, pour about 5 cups (approx. 1 liter) of water into a pot. Add 1 large spoonful of soybean paste and dissolve it well. Once it starts to boil, prepare the remaining ingredients for a deeper flavor.
Step 2
Wash about 5 leaves of young napa cabbage thoroughly under running water. Chop them into bite-sized pieces. Young napa cabbage is known for its tender leaves that cook quickly.
Step 3
Rinse the soybean sprouts clean and drain them. Using fresh bean sprouts will ensure a crisp texture without any unpleasant smell.
Step 4
Thinly slice 1 stalk of green onion, focusing mainly on the white part. The aroma of the green onion will enhance the depth of the broth.
Step 5
Once the soybean paste broth is boiling vigorously, add the prepared napa cabbage. Cook over medium heat until the cabbage becomes tender.
Step 6
As the cabbage starts to soften, add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. The garlic flavor will infuse into the broth, making it even more delicious.
Step 7
Add 2 tablespoons of tuna extract for an extra savory kick and let it simmer. If you don’t have tuna extract, soy sauce for soup can be used as a substitute.
Step 8
When the napa cabbage has wilted and softened sufficiently, add the rinsed soybean sprouts. Avoid overcooking after adding the sprouts to maintain their crisp texture.
Step 9
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with about 1 teaspoon of Dashida (optional). Dashida can add more richness to the flavor, but you can omit it if you prefer a cleaner taste.
Step 10
Continue to simmer until the soybean sprouts are cooked but still retain their crunch. Finally, add the sliced green onions and boil for another moment. Your delicious Napa Cabbage Soybean Paste Stew is ready! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice.
