Sundubu Jjigae
Sundubu Jjigae is a hearty Korean soft tofu stew that's packed with flavor. This comforting dish is made with soft tofu, vegetables, and your choice of seafood or meat, all simmered in a rich, spicy broth. It's perfect for those chilly nights or whenever you crave something warm and satisfying.
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
20 minutes
Level
Medium
Serves
4
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
A polished English infographic for the whole cooking flow, paired with the full written recipe below for detail and SEO.
Instructions
- 1
Heat the vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium heat.
- 2
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
- 3
Stir in the diced zucchini and sliced mushrooms, cooking until slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- 4
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, adding the gochujang, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- 5
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat. Add the seafood or meat and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
- 6
Carefully add the soft tofu, breaking it up slightly with a spoon. Let it heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
- 7
Optional: Crack an egg into the stew for added richness and simmer for an additional minute.
- 8
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Tips
For a spicier kick, adjust the amount of gochujang to taste.
Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Do not freeze, as tofu may change texture.
Substitutions
- You can substitute gochujang with red pepper flakes if unavailable, though it will change the flavor.
What to Serve With
- Steamed white rice
- Kimchi
- Pickled vegetables
Common Mistakes
- Don’t skip on the gochujang, as it’s key to the stew's flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the tofu or seafood to keep it tender.
Recipe FAQ
Can I make Sundubu Jjigae vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the seafood or meat and use vegetable broth.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Saucepan
Useful for simmering sauces, soups, grains, and small-batch stews.
Skillet
Useful for browning, quick sautes, and weeknight one-pan cooking.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
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