Dive into the rich and savory world of Korean cuisine with this incredibly flavorful Spicy Korean Jjigae Soft Tofu recipe! This dish is a delightful blend of spicy, savory, and subtly sweet flavors, all perfectly balanced to create a culinary masterpiece. The soft, silken tofu provides a wonderfully creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the vibrant, spicy broth. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this Spicy Korean Jjigae Soft Tofu recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this authentic Korean delight!
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Nutrition per serving (approximate): Calories: 350, Protein: 25g, Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 20g
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Firm or Extra-Firm Tofu | 1 block (14 oz), pressed and cubed |
| Kimchi | 1 cup, chopped |
| Gochujang (Korean chili paste) | 2 tablespoons |
| Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) | 1 tablespoon |
| Doenjang (Korean soybean paste) | 1 tablespoon |
| Soy Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Green Onions | 2 stalks, chopped |
| Vegetable Broth | 2 cups |
| Sesame Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Shiitake Mushrooms (optional) | 1/2 cup, sliced |
| Spinach (optional) | 1 cup, roughly chopped |
Cooking Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This Spicy Korean Jjigae Soft Tofu recipe relies on building flavor from the beginning.
- Stir in the gochujang, gochugaru, and doenjang. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the pastes are fragrant and slightly softened. The Spicy Korean Jjigae Soft Tofu’s signature heat comes from this step.
- Add the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low.
- Carefully add the cubed tofu to the pot. Avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure even cooking.
- Add the chopped kimchi and shiitake mushrooms (if using). Stir gently to combine.
- Simmer the Spicy Korean Jjigae Soft Tofu for 15-20 minutes, or until the tofu is heated through and the flavors have melded. This allows the tofu to absorb the wonderful broth.
- Add the spinach (if using) during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. The spinach will wilt quickly.
- Season with soy sauce to taste. This Spicy Korean Jjigae Soft Tofu is best seasoned according to your preference for saltiness.
- Stir in the chopped green onions just before serving. The green onions add a fresh, contrasting flavor to the dish.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Spicy Korean Jjigae Soft Tofu!
Serving Suggestions: This Spicy Korean Jjigae Soft Tofu is delightful served with steamed rice, kimchi pancakes (Kimchi Jeon), or a side of seasoned spinach. It pairs exceptionally well with a light and refreshing beverage like Korean Barley Tea. The Spicy Korean Jjigae Soft Tofu is a wonderfully versatile dish!
Notes/Tips: For a milder Spicy Korean Jjigae Soft Tofu, reduce the amount of gochugaru. Feel free to adjust the amount of gochujang and doenjang to your taste preference. If you don’t have shiitake mushrooms, you can substitute with other mushrooms or omit them entirely. The beauty of this Spicy Korean Jjigae Soft Tofu recipe lies in its adaptability. Experiment with different vegetables to create your own unique version! Always ensure the tofu is properly pressed before adding it to the stew to prevent it from becoming watery. This simple step ensures the best texture for your Spicy Korean Jjigae Soft Tofu. Remember to adjust cooking time according to your preference for the tofu’s consistency. Some prefer a firmer tofu, others softer. Enjoy your homemade Spicy Korean Jjigae Soft Tofu! It’s a simple yet incredibly rewarding dish that will leave you craving more.
