Spicy Beef and Shrimp Soft Tofu Stew (Sundubu Jjigae)
How to Make Delicious Beef and Shrimp Soft Tofu Stew | Sundubu Jjigae Recipe
A perfect harmony of hearty beef, plump shrimp, and silky soft tofu! Here’s a recipe for a spicy and flavorful beef and shrimp sundubu jjigae that will have you devouring bowls of rice. Detailed steps and tips are included, making it easy for anyone to follow.
Stew Ingredients- 100g beef (any cut like for bulgogi, stewing, or brisket is fine)
- 16 plump shrimp
- 1 packet (approx. 190g) soft tofu
- 4 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/3 stalk green onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 zucchini, finely chopped
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups broth (2 cups water + 1 coin broth cube, or anchovy/kelp broth)
Seasoning- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for spiciness
- 2 Tbsp oyster sauce for umami
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (brewing soy sauce type preferred) for flavor
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce for a clean savory taste (adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for spiciness
- 2 Tbsp oyster sauce for umami
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (brewing soy sauce type preferred) for flavor
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce for a clean savory taste (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the vegetables for the stew. Dice the onion into approximately 0.7cm cubes and the zucchini into similar-sized pieces. Cutting them uniformly ensures they cook at the same rate.
Step 2
If you’re using frozen shrimp, soak them in cold water briefly to thaw them until tender. Once thawed, drain any excess water.
Step 3
Before adding the soft tofu to the stew, it’s a good idea to place it on a sieve to drain some of its excess moisture. This helps prevent the stew from becoming too watery and makes the tofu firmer, so it doesn’t crumble easily when stirred.
Step 4
The foundation of a rich flavor lies in the sautéing process! Heat 4 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pot. Add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic and the finely chopped green onion. On low heat, slowly stir-fry until fragrant, creating a delicious garlic-green onion oil. Be careful not to burn it; gentle heat is key.
Step 5
Now, add the 100g of prepared beef and stir-fry it together. Whether you use ground beef, beef for bulgogi, stewing beef, or brisket, any cut will be delicious. Break up any clumps of beef and stir-fry until the surface is cooked.
Step 6
Once the beef is somewhat cooked, reduce the heat to low and add 3 Tbsp of gochugaru. (Note: The original recipe states 2 Tbsp, but 3 Tbsp can be used for a spicier flavor. Adjust to your preference.)
Step 7
It’s crucial to stir-fry gochugaru on low heat to prevent it from burning and to extract its deep, rich chili oil flavor. Stir-fry for about 1 minute, gently mixing, to fully infuse the oil with the chili’s essence.
Step 8
Once the chili oil is well-infused, add 2 Tbsp of soy sauce and stir-fry together. The soy sauce will lightly caramelize, adding another layer of flavor.
Step 9
Next, add 2 Tbsp of oyster sauce and mix everything thoroughly until the seasonings are evenly distributed among the ingredients. This will create a glossy and appetizing seasoning base.
Step 10
Then, add the diced onion and zucchini and stir-fry lightly for just 1-2 minutes until they are slightly coated with the seasoning. Be careful not to overcook, as the vegetables can become too soft.
Step 11
Now it’s time to build the stew’s broth base! Pour in 2 cups of broth for a refreshing and deep flavor. If you don’t have broth, you can use 2 cups of water and dissolve 1 coin broth cube in it.
Step 12
Once the broth comes to a rolling boil, add the thawed shrimp and cook them. Shrimp cook quickly, so don’t boil them for too long.
Step 13
Finally, add the prepared soft tofu. Use a spoon to break it into large chunks and gently drop them into the pot. A tip for preserving the soft tofu’s texture is to avoid stirring it too vigorously.
Step 14
Now it’s time to season! Taste the stew and if it’s not salty enough, add 1 Tbsp of fish sauce for a clean and deep savory taste. Fish sauce not only adds saltiness but also enriches the overall flavor of the broth.
Step 15
Simmer for another few minutes until all the ingredients are well combined, and your delicious Beef and Shrimp Soft Tofu Stew is ready! If you prefer it spicier, feel free to add some chopped cheongyang peppers (Korean chili peppers) according to your preference. Enjoy this hearty stew with a warm bowl of rice!
