Super Simple and Spicy Tofu Stew (Dubu Jjigae)
Quick & Easy Tofu Stew for a Chilly Day
As the weather gets a bit colder, doesn’t a warm, spicy soup sound incredibly comforting? I whipped up this super simple tofu stew for dinner, and it hit the spot! This year’s chili powder is particularly fiery, making it a challenge to get the flavor just right. If you’re struggling with too much heat, I’ll share a tip to balance it out while adding a rich depth of flavor. Let’s make a delicious tofu stew that’s perfect for a hearty meal!
Main Ingredients
- Ground pork, 1 handful (approx. 100g)
- Onion, 1 medium
- Green onion, 1/2 stalk
- Tofu, 1 block (firm or stewing type)
Seasoning & Broth
- Soup soy sauce, 2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 2 Tbsp
- Minced garlic, 1 Tbsp
- Black pepper, a pinch
- Fish sauce, 1 Tbsp
- Water, 300ml (or rice water)
- Sugar, 1/2 Tbsp (to adjust spiciness)
- Soup soy sauce, 2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 2 Tbsp
- Minced garlic, 1 Tbsp
- Black pepper, a pinch
- Fish sauce, 1 Tbsp
- Water, 300ml (or rice water)
- Sugar, 1/2 Tbsp (to adjust spiciness)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thinly slice half an onion and place it at the bottom of the pot you’ll be using for the stew. This helps prevent the stew from sticking and adds a subtle sweetness. Cut the block of tofu into 1.5cm thick, generous pieces.
Step 2
In a bowl, combine the ground pork with a pinch of black pepper, 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp fish sauce, and 1 Tbsp minced garlic. Mix well by hand to marinate the pork. (If you don’t have ground pork, drained canned tuna also makes a delicious alternative.) Pour 300ml of water (or rice water) over the marinated pork and bring it to a boil. If your chili powder is very spicy this year, add 1/2 Tbsp of sugar at this stage to mellow the heat. Using rice water will make the broth richer and more savory.
Step 3
Once the broth starts boiling, carefully add the sliced tofu to the pot, arranging it nicely. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors. As the stew simmers and the liquid reduces slightly, taste it and add another 1 Tbsp of soup soy sauce if needed. Finally, generously add the diagonally sliced green onions and simmer for another minute. Your delicious tofu stew is ready!
