Soft Bean Curd Jjigae recipe one-day class

Sundubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew) is a classic Korean dish known for its silky soft tofu and spicy, savory broth. It combines various ingredients like meat, seafood, and vegetables, creating a flavorful and comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Here’s a detailed guide to making this delicious dish.

Ingredients

Basic Ingredients:

• Soft Tofu: 1 pack (300g)
• Ground Pork: 100g
• Clams (optional): A handful
• Onion: 1/2
• Green Onion: 1 stalk
• Zucchini: 1/4
• Green Chili Pepper: 1
• Red Chili Pepper: 1
• Egg: 1

Seasoning Ingredients:

• Chili Oil: 1 tbsp
• Korean Chili Powder (Gochugaru): 1 tbsp
• Soy Sauce: 2 tbsp
• Minced Garlic: 1 tbsp
• Sesame Oil: 1 tsp
• Anchovy Broth: 2 cups
• Salt and Pepper: To taste

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing Ingredients

1. Soft Tofu: Carefully cut the soft tofu into large chunks, keeping them whole as much as possible.
2. Ground Pork: Prepare ground pork, which can be substituted with beef or chicken if preferred.
3. Clams: Clean the clams thoroughly to remove any sand and impurities.
4. Vegetables: Slice the onion and zucchini thinly, cut the green onion into diagonal slices, and slice the green and red chili peppers to add spice.

2. Making the Seasoning Mix

• In a small bowl, mix chili oil, chili powder, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Adding a bit of sesame oil enhances the dish's nutty flavor.

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté the Meat and Seasoning

• Heat chili oil in a pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and the prepared seasoning mix, sautéing until aromatic but careful not to burn the garlic.
• Add the ground pork and cook until it turns brown and fully cooked, allowing the flavors to meld together.

2. Add Vegetables and Tofu

• Add the onion, zucchini, and green onion, sautéing until slightly softened.
• Gently add the soft tofu, being careful not to break the tofu chunks.

3. Simmer the Stew

• Pour in the anchovy broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the clams and continue to cook until the clams open, releasing their flavor into the broth.
• Reduce the heat and let the stew simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld and the tofu to absorb the broth.

4. Final Touch and Serving

• Adjust the seasoning with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Crack an egg into the stew and gently stir to slightly cook the egg, adding a rich texture.
• Garnish with sliced green and red chili peppers for extra spice and visual appeal.

Additional Tips

1. Variety of Ingredients: You can add mushrooms, shrimp, squid, or other seafood to diversify the flavors and textures. Vegetables like spinach or bean sprouts also work well.
2. Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and chili oil to control the spice level. For a spicier stew, add more chili peppers.
3. Broth Options: Besides anchovy broth, you can use kelp broth or seafood broth to vary the depth of flavor. Preparing the broth in advance is convenient.

Sundubu Jjigae offers a warm, comforting experience with its combination of silky tofu and rich, spicy broth. It’s an ideal dish for any meal, especially during cooler weather. Enjoy the hearty and flavorful Sundubu Jjigae with a bowl of steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal!