Rich & Savory Korean Beef Doenjang Jjigae (Soybean Paste Stew)
Rich & Savory Korean Beef Doenjang Jjigae (Soybean Paste Stew)
How to Make Delicious Doenjang Jjigae: A Hearty Korean Beef Soybean Paste Stew
I made Doenjang Jjigae with premium Korean beef today. This version is even richer and more refreshing, boasting a deep umami flavor thanks to the addition of beef. It’s a comforting and satisfying stew perfect for any occasion.
Main Ingredients- Korean Beef (for stew or thinly sliced brisket) 150g
- Firm Tofu 1 block
- Onion 1/2 medium
- Mushrooms of your choice (King Oyster, Shiitake, etc.) 1 handful
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, slice the beef into bite-sized pieces. If you’re serving this to children, cutting it a bit smaller will make it easier for them to eat. Larger pieces can sometimes be tough to chew, so smaller pieces are often preferred by kids.
Step 2
This is the first step to adding depth of flavor to your Doenjang Jjigae! Lightly oil a pot and add the prepared beef to sauté. For stewing cuts, brisket, or thicker pieces of beef, sautéing them first helps tenderize the meat and enriches the broth with savory juices. If you’re using very thinly sliced beef like brisket, it’s better to add it after the broth is boiling.
Step 3
Onions are a crucial ingredient that adds sweetness and a refreshing element to Doenjang Jjigae. Dice them finely, perhaps in a small cube shape, making them easy for everyone, especially children, to eat. Cutting them to a similar size as other ingredients helps them integrate well.
Step 4
Once the beef is cooked enough to release its juices and shows signs of browning, add the diced onions and sauté them together until they become translucent. This process helps to caramelize the onions, bringing out their natural sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Step 5
Now it’s time to add the delicious broth. Anchovy-kelp broth yields the best flavor, but you can also use commercial broth packs, liquid broth, rice water, or even plain water. Pour 500ml of your chosen liquid into the pot.
Step 6
Once the broth begins to boil, let it simmer for a bit to allow the flavors of the beef and onions to meld. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during simmering for a clearer, cleaner-tasting stew. In a separate bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of homemade doenjang and 1 tablespoon of store-bought doenjang. To ensure a smooth consistency, place a sieve over the pot and dissolve the pastes through it. This prevents clumps and distributes the flavor evenly.
Step 7
Add 1/2 tablespoon of Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to give the stew a pleasant color and a mild hint of spice. Feel free to add a little more if you prefer it spicier.
Step 8
Your Doenjang Jjigae is now bubbling away beautifully! Remember to skim off any impurities or foam that may appear during cooking. This simple step ensures a cleaner, more refined taste.
Step 9
Add your mushrooms. While you can use various types, avoid overcrowding the pot, as too many mushrooms can overpower the delicate flavor of the beef and doenjang. A handful is usually sufficient. In my household, I cut King Oyster mushrooms into small cubes for the children’s enjoyment.
Step 10
Tofu is a star ingredient, adding creaminess and a mellow flavor. Cut the tofu into slightly larger cubes than the other ingredients. This helps them hold their shape and prevents them from breaking apart too easily during cooking. My children absolutely love tofu, so I made sure to add a generous amount!
Step 11
For an extra touch of freshness and a bit of a kick, finely chop one Cheongyang pepper (seeds removed) and add it to the stew. If you’re serving this to children or prefer less spice, you can omit this or use a regular red chili pepper instead.
Step 12
Finally, add the larger cubes of tofu and the chopped chili pepper, and let it simmer for another moment. Your delicious Korean Beef Doenjang Jjigae, packed with rich and savory flavors, is now ready!
Step 13
This version of Doenjang Jjigae isn’t overly salty, making it perfect for mixing with rice. Ladle generous amounts of the broth and ingredients over your rice and enjoy a deeply satisfying and refreshing meal.
Step 14
This stew, with its generous chunks of tofu and other ingredients, is absolutely delightful when mixed with rice. Even though the preparation is simple, the result is surprisingly delicious. If you’re looking for an easy yet flavorful recipe, give this a try! You’ll be pleased with how tasty it turns out.
