Spicy and Flavorful: Nostalgic Country-Style Tofu Stew Recipe
The Comforting Taste You Can’t Resist! An Incredibly Easy Spicy Tofu Stew
This is a rustic tofu stew, reminiscent of the one my mother used to cook on our charcoal stove in a tin pot, using simple seasonings. It’s a dish with a familiar taste that’s surprisingly addictive and comforting.
Main Ingredients- 1 block Firm Tofu
- 1/2 Onion
- 1 piece Radish
- A little Green Onion
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1/3 Tbsp Saeujeot (fermented salted shrimp)
- 200ml Water (approx. 1 paper cup)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1/3 Tbsp Saeujeot (fermented salted shrimp)
- 200ml Water (approx. 1 paper cup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the flavor-packed seasoning paste that will make this tofu stew so delicious. In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp Gochugaru, 1 Tbsp Gochujang, 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce, 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic, 1/2 Tbsp Sugar, and 1/3 Tbsp Saeujeot. To prevent the paste from being too thick and clumpy, add about 2-3 Tbsp of water and mix well. This will create a smooth paste that adheres beautifully to the other ingredients.
Step 2
Prepare the pot for your stew. Start by thinly slicing the radish and arranging it on the bottom of the pot. Adding radish not only prevents sticking but also releases a subtle sweetness as it cooks, making the broth richer and more refreshing.
Step 3
Arrange the sliced tofu and onion on top of the radish. You can cut the tofu into large chunks for a hearty texture or into smaller pieces, depending on your preference. The onion adds a nice sweetness and a slight crunch.
Step 4
Now, spoon the prepared seasoning paste evenly over the tofu and onion. Make sure to spread it out so that all the ingredients get coated with the delicious seasoning.
Step 5
To ensure no flavor is wasted, pour about 1 paper cup (200ml) of water into the bowl you used for the seasoning. Swirl it around to rinse out any remaining paste, and then pour this seasoned water into the pot. This step enhances the depth of the broth.
Step 6
Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for at least 10 minutes, or until the radish is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. You can spoon some broth over the ingredients occasionally to help them absorb the flavors evenly.
Step 7
Finally, add some sliced green onions to the stew and let it simmer for another minute. Your spicy and comforting country-style tofu stew is now ready! Enjoy this heartwarming dish with a bowl of steaming rice.
