August 1, 2014

Recipe: Doenjang Jjigae (Korean Soybean Paste Stew)

Soybean paste stew is a classic Korean stew that I grew up eating regularly. With a hot bowl of rice, its a dish that just warms you up from the inside. Similar to miso paste, soybean paste is made from fermentation and is a Korean staple. This was my first time cooking this and was proud of the results. Almost as good as my mom's... but I added soybean sprouts for extra crunch!


Doenjang Jjigae (Korean Soybean Paste Stew)
Adapted from Beyond Kimchee
Serves 2-3

Ingredients
2 cups water
½ tsp dashi seasoning
2 heaping tbsp soybean paste
½ onion, diced
½ zucchini, diced
1 tsp korean chili flakes
½ package (4-5 oz) tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 garlic clove, minced
1 green chili, sliced
1 cup soybean sprouts

Instructions
Bring water and dashi seasoning to boil in a pot over medium-high heat.
Add the soybean paste and stir to incorporate with stock.
Add the onion, zucchini, chili flakes, and let boil.
Add tofu, garlic, chili, and cook for 2 minutes.
Lastly, add the soybean sprouts, cover the pot, and cook for 2 minutes or until the sprouts are crisp-tender.
Remove the pot from heat and serve hot with rice.