Savory Napa Cabbage and Soybean Paste Stew with Dried Shrimp
How to Make Delicious Napa Cabbage Soybean Paste Stew with Dried Shrimp
This recipe features a rich and savory Napa cabbage and soybean paste stew, made wonderfully flavorful by using rice water instead of broth. It’s a perfect dish for cooler weather, especially in autumn when Napa cabbage is at its best. Enjoy a hearty and comforting bowl that warms you from the inside out.
Main Ingredients- Napa Cabbage (cut) 2 cups
- Dried Shrimp 1/2 cup
- Green Onion 1 stalk
- Cheongyang Pepper 1
- Red Pepper 1/2
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the frozen Napa cabbage thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Squeeze out excess water by hand, then cut into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm long.
Step 2
Slice the green onion diagonally at a 45-degree angle. Thinly slice the Cheongyang pepper and red pepper diagonally as well, adding a splash of color to the stew.
Step 3
Prepare 1/2 cup of dried shrimp, which will add umami to the broth. Measure out 8 cups of rice water (the cloudy water leftover from rinsing rice). Alternatively, you can use anchovy or kelp broth for an even deeper flavor.
Step 4
Pour the 8 cups of rice water into a pot. Add 1.5 Tbsp of soybean paste and 0.5 Tbsp of Gochujang. Whisk them together until well dissolved. Dissolving the pastes first ensures a smooth and lump-free broth.
Step 5
To the dissolved paste mixture, add the 1/2 cup of dried shrimp and 1 Tbsp of dried anchovy powder. This forms the savory base of the stew.
Step 6
Add the prepared Napa cabbage to the pot and bring to a boil. It’s important to cook the cabbage from the beginning; this allows its crispness to soften, releasing its sweet, refreshing flavor into the broth, making the stew much tastier. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
Step 7
Once the Napa cabbage is tender, stir in 0.5 Tbsp of minced garlic and 1 Tbsp of perilla seed powder for a nutty aroma and flavor.
Step 8
Add the sliced green onion, Cheongyang pepper, and red pepper to the pot and simmer for a few more minutes. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add 1 Tbsp of soy sauce for soup, or use salt or fish sauce to your preference. (I used 1 Tbsp of soy sauce for soup).
Step 9
Finally, bring the stew to a rolling boil one last time to let all the flavors meld together. Your delicious and savory Napa cabbage and soybean paste stew with dried shrimp is now ready! Enjoy it hot.
