Delicious Korean Tofu Soup Recipe For Your Tastebuds

This Korean Tofu Stew is the perfect recipe to try out if you want to fall in love with a dish and eat it every day for the next month. It is quick, easy, and full of mouthwatering flavors. There is nothing not to like about this, as you will soon find out.

Sundubu Jjigae is a delightfully heartwarming Korean soft tofu stew (Also check out Best Korean Soup Recipes) and is one of the most popular dishes in Korea (for good reason).

While there are several recipe variations, the one we’re looking at today uses pork belly, but it can be customized.

The freshly curdled soft tofu used in this dish adds a delightful creaminess, making this one recipe you will not want to miss out on.

What Is Korean Tofu Stew?

Korean tofu stew, dubu jjigae, is a spicy, comforting soup made primarily with soft, meat, or seafood, and a fiery blend of seasonings. 

Its base consists of a rich anchovy or kelp broth, enhanced with gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) and gochujang (Korean red pepper paste). 

This dish is traditionally served bubbling hot in a stone pot garnished with scallions, mushrooms, and sometimes a raw egg.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients? 

Try a few variations on top of playing around with the spice level and meat. Here are a couple of options you could try out if you are looking for other ways to change the recipe in any way:

• Use a different stock or broth You can easily use beef or chicken stock or any other stock you prefer for whatever reason. If you wanted to make your stew as flavorful as possible, you could even use a bone broth (or make your own; it’s easier than you think) and use that! It will also add some nice thickness to the overall dish.
• Add a boiled egg on top A boiled egg (or two) can help to pull everything together. If you are hungry, we could recommend enjoying this dish with one – bonus point if they are soy sauce boiled eggs!
• Try a seafood variation If you love seafood, then you can use seafood in this recipe with no problems! You can add shrimp, mussels, clams, and fish. You should also use fish sauce with this variation to help tie everything together.
• Add extra vegetables Do you love vegetables or know you need to get more in your diet? Add extra vegetables to this dish to give it more body and get those nutrients in! Popular vegetables to add to dishes like this include zucchini and yellow squash. Korean radish is also a great option if you want something extra.
• Use gochujang This adds extra flavor and makes this dish even better. Gochujang has an excellent level of spice (depending on the brand) and is full of layers and depth so that it can work miracles for dishes like this. If you use gochujang, we recommend taking it easy on the chili flakes – you do not want to overdo the heat!

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings 

Variations

• Seafood Version: Replace meat with shrimp, clams, or mussels.
• Kimchi Tofu Stew: Add aged kimchi for a tangy kick.
• Vegetarian: Eliminate meat; augment with a variety of mushrooms and veggies.

Add-Ons

• Dumplings: Small Korean dumplings (mandu) can be added for a heartier dish.
• Noodles: Thin glass noodles (japchae) can be transformed into a noodle stew.

Toppings

• Fresh Herbs: Cilantro or perilla leaves can add a refreshing contrast.
• Seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds lends a nutty crunch.
• Heat: Freshly sliced chili peppers or additional Korean red chili flakes for extra heat.
• Zest: A drizzle of sesame oil before serving enhances depth and aroma.

Can I Make Korean Tofu Stew In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot? 

Both the slow cooker and Instant Pot can be adapted to make Korean tofu stew, optimizing flavor infusion:

Slow Cooker

• Perfect for deepening flavors over a more extended period. Combine all ingredients except for the tofu and egg. 
• Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the tofu about minutes before serving, and maintain its delicate texture. Serve with a fresh egg on top.

Instant Pot

• A quicker method is excellent for busy days. Use the sauté function for initial cooking (meat, garlic, onions). Then, add other ingredients, excluding tofu and egg. 
• Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. Release pressure, add tofu, simmer using the sauté mode, and serve with an egg.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own? 

Both store-bought and homemade broths have their merits when making Korean tofu stew:

Store-Bought Broth

• It’s a convenient and time-saving option. When selecting, look for low-sodium and preservative-free variants to maintain a healthier profile and have better control over seasoning. 
• Some specialty Asian stores even carry Korean dashi or anchovy stock, which can add authenticity to your stew.

Homemade Broth

• Making your own allows for the customization of flavors and ensures no unwanted additives. 
• For the tofu stew, broths made from anchovies, kelp, beef, or mushrooms can be ideal. Homemade broths generally offer a deeper, richer taste.

How To Serve? 

• Hot and Fresh: Serve immediately off the stove, ensuring it’s steaming hot, to enjoy its comforting warmth fully.
• Stone Bowls: Traditional Korean dolsot (stone bowls) retain heat, providing the stew remains hot throughout the meal.
• Accompaniments: Pair with a steamed white or brown rice bowl, allowing the grains to absorb the flavorful broth.
• Banchan: Offer a selection of Korean side dishes, like kimchi, pickled radishes, and seasoned spinach.
• Garnish: Top with fresh chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of red chili flakes for color and added flavor.
• Traditional Setting: Using wooden chopsticks and metal spoons enhances the authentic Korean dining experience.

Perfect Side Dishes

You could enjoy many delightful dishes with this Korean soft tofu stew. Let’s go through a few fantastic options that you should consider when you make this dish:

• Noodles: You could choose to have your favorite noodles with this dish if you like it! While this is not the popular way of enjoying the dish, some menus offer the option, so what stops you from trying it out? You can use instant ramen noodles or go the udon route for something different.
• Steamed short-grain rice: Short-grain rice comprises plumper and shooter grains compared to long-grain rice (shocker, we know!). There’s more starch in this kind of rice, making the grains stick together. This type of rice is used to make sushi and desserts like rice puddings.
• Kimchi: Kimchi is another popular side dish used alongside various foods. It is a Korean classic and combines fermented cabbage and carrots. The vegetables are in a delightfully tangy and sweet sauce, with an overall umami flavor with a potent salty and sour taste.
• Kongnamul: This soybean sprout side dish has a delicious nutty flavor with a nice crunch. It is effortless to make, and all you need to make it are as follows: soybean sprouts, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. You could also add garlic and green onion if you want something extra to the dish.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Storage: Cool the soup and store in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Best not to freeze, as tofu texture may change.
• Freezing: If needed, freeze without tofu for up to 1 month. Add fresh tofu when reheating.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the base broth and ingredients without tofu. Store the base in the refrigerator and add tofu when reheating to maintain its soft texture.
• Reheating: Reheat gently over low heat. Add tofu and cook until heated through.
• Serving: Serve hot, and add a fresh egg and green onions just before serving for the best flavor and presentation.

Tips

• Soft Tofu: Use silken or soft tofu for the most authentic texture.
• Spice to Taste: Adjust the amount of Korean chili flakes or paste to your preferred spice level.
• Fresh Ingredients: Incorporate fresh vegetables and proteins for enhanced flavors.
• Anchovy Stock: Use anchovy or kelp stock as the base for traditional depth.
• Finish Fresh: Add delicate ingredients like tofu and green onions towards the end of cooking to preserve their texture and color.
• Serve Boiling: Present the soup bubbling hot for an authentic Korean dining experience.

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