Rich and Savory Homemade Doenjang Cheonggukjang Stew
Cheonggukjang Stew Made with Homemade Fermented Doenjang
This is a comforting Cheonggukjang stew made with our own homemade fermented Doenjang. Because it’s well-fermented, it has a milder aroma and a deeply savory, nutty flavor that makes it incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy with a bowl of rice.
Main Ingredients- 1 pack fresh Cheonggukjang (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 block firm tofu, cut into cubes
- 100g beef or pork (stew cut), sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 head well-fermented kimchi, chopped
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all the ingredients for the stew. Cut the tofu into 1.5cm cubes and slice the green onion diagonally. Slicing the meat and kimchi into bite-sized pieces beforehand will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
In a deep pot or earthenware pot, heat 1 Tbsp of cooking oil or perilla oil. Add the chopped kimchi and sliced meat, and stir-fry over medium heat until the kimchi becomes translucent and the meat is lightly browned. Stir-frying brings out more savory flavor. If desired, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes at this stage and sauté together.
Step 3
Once the kimchi and meat are well stir-fried, pour in 2 cups of water or anchovy-daikon broth. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors of the kimchi and meat to meld into the broth.
Step 4
When the broth has developed a good flavor, add the cubed tofu and the star of the dish, Cheonggukjang. Cheonggukjang can lose some of its nutritional benefits if boiled for too long, so it’s best to add it with the tofu and simmer gently. If there are large clumps of Cheonggukjang, gently break them apart with a spoon.
Step 5
Finally, add the diagonally sliced green onions and simmer for another 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with soy sauce or fish sauce if needed. Turn off the heat and cover the pot for a few minutes; this allows the flavors to deepen further.
Step 6
Serve this warm, savory, and rich Cheonggukjang stew generously over a bowl of hot rice! You’ll be able to fully appreciate the deep, homemade flavor of authentic Cheonggukjang with this perfect meal.
