Spicy Soft Tofu Stew Recipe

Get ready to spice up your taste buds with this delicious Spicy Soft Tofu Stew recipe. Made with soft tofu, vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this stew is the perfect combination of creamy and spicy. Served with fluffy rice and a tangy ssam dipping sauce, it’s a savory dish that will satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is a must-try. So grab your apron and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with this Spicy Soft Tofu Stew recipe.

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Ingredients

List of ingredients

• Soft tofu
• Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
• Korean red pepper paste (gochujang)
• Garlic cloves
• Onion
• Green onions
• Fresh mushrooms
• Zucchini
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Water
• Optional: beef, shrimp, clams, or other seafood
• Optional: kimchi

Preparation

Prepare the ingredients

Before starting to cook the stew, gather all the necessary ingredients. Rinse and drain the soft tofu, then cut it into small cubes. Finely chop the garlic cloves, onion, and green onions. Slice the mushrooms and zucchini into thin pieces. If you’re using beef, shrimp, clams, or other seafood, prepare them accordingly. If you want to add kimchi for extra flavor, chop it into small pieces as well.

Cook the stew

In a large pot, heat some sesame oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and onion, and sauté until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Add the sliced mushrooms and zucchini, and cook until they soften. If you’re using beef, shrimp, clams, or other seafood, add them to the pot and cook until they’re cooked through.

Next, add the soft tofu to the pot and gently stir to combine with the other ingredients. Pour in the water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

In a separate bowl, mix the Korean red pepper flakes, red pepper paste, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper with some water to make a spicy marinade sauce. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and paste according to your desired level of spiciness. Add the marinade sauce to the pot and stir well to evenly distribute the flavors.

Let the stew simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you’re using kimchi, add it to the pot at this point and stir it into the stew. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the kimchi to heat through.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

To make delicious spicy soft tofu stew, gather all the necessary ingredients beforehand. Rinse and drain the soft tofu, then cut it into small cubes. Finely chop the garlic cloves, onion, and green onions. Slice the mushrooms and zucchini into thin pieces. If you prefer a heartier stew, you can also add beef, shrimp, clams, or other seafood. If you enjoy the tangy flavor, consider adding some chopped kimchi.

Step 2: Cook the stew

In a large pot, heat some sesame oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and onion, and sauté them until they become fragrant and slightly golden. This will help release their flavors and aromas. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and zucchini, and cook until they soften. If you’re using beef, shrimp, clams, or other seafood, add them to the pot and cook until they’re cooked through.

Once the vegetables and proteins are cooked, add the soft tofu to the pot and gently stir to combine with the other ingredients. Pour in the water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

In a separate bowl, mix the Korean red pepper flakes, red pepper paste, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper with some water to make a spicy marinade sauce. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and paste according to your desired level of spiciness. If you prefer a milder stew, you can reduce the amount of red pepper flakes and paste. Add the marinade sauce to the pot and stir well to evenly distribute the flavors.

Let the stew simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to further develop. Taste the stew and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you’re using kimchi, add it to the pot at this point and stir it into the stew. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the kimchi to heat through.

Tips and Variations

Tips for making the stew

• Use soft tofu for the best texture in the stew. Firm tofu may not break apart as easily and won’t give the same silky consistency.
• If you prefer a spicier stew, add more Korean red pepper flakes and red pepper paste to the marinade sauce. Adjust the heat level to your taste preferences.
• If you want to add more depth of flavor to the stew, consider marinating the beef or seafood in the spicy marinade sauce for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the proteins with the spicy flavors.
• If you’re using kimchi, make sure to add it towards the end of the cooking process. Kimchi can become too sour if cooked for too long, so adding it last helps preserve its fresh flavors.

Variations of the recipe

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the beef, shrimp, clams, or other seafood and use vegetable broth instead of water. Make sure to also check the ingredients of the Korean red pepper paste and flakes, as some brands may contain seafood or animal products.
• Extra vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the stew, such as carrots, spinach, or bell peppers. These additional vegetables will add more color and flavor to the dish.
• Meat options: Instead of beef, you can use pork, chicken, or even thinly sliced lamb. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the proteins are cooked through.

Serving and Storage

How to serve the stew

Spicy soft tofu stew is best served hot. Ladle the stew into individual bowls and garnish with chopped green onions for freshness and a pop of color. Serve with a side of fluffy white rice and some kimchi for a complete meal. You can also serve the stew with some ssam dipping sauce and raw vegetables for a delicious and refreshing contrast.

How to store leftovers

If you have leftovers, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the tofu from breaking apart.

FAQs

Can I make this stew less spicy?

Yes, you can adjust the level of spiciness in the stew to suit your taste preferences. Use less Korean red pepper flakes and red pepper paste in the marinade sauce. You can also add more water or broth to dilute the spiciness.

What kind of tofu should I use?

Soft tofu is the best choice for this stew. It has a delicate texture that pairs well with the other ingredients. Firm tofu can be used if desired, but it won’t break apart as easily and may have a firmer texture in the stew.

Can I substitute any of the ingredients?

Yes, you can customize the stew by substituting or adding different ingredients. For example, you can use chicken or beef instead of seafood, or add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Conclusion

Summary of the recipe

Spicy soft tofu stew, also known as sundubu jjigae, is a comforting and flavor-packed Korean dish. Made with soft tofu, Korean red pepper flakes, garlic, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, and a spicy marinade sauce, this stew is a perfect blend of heat and savory flavors. It can be customized with different proteins and vegetables to suit your taste preferences. Serve it hot with fluffy rice and kimchi for a satisfying and delicious meal. Enjoy!

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