Soft Tofu Ssamjang
Soft Tofu Ssamjang
How to Make Delicious Tofu Ssamjang at Home
A healthier and tastier take on ssamjang, enriched with soft tofu and fresh vegetables. Perfect for mixing with rice or enjoying with fresh greens for a satisfying meal.
Main Ingredients- 1/2 block firm tofu (approx. 150g)
- 6 Tbsp store-bought ssamjang
- 1/2 onion
- 1 Korean chili pepper (cheongyang-gochu)
- 1/4 green onion stalk
- 1/2 red chili pepper
- 1 cup water (200ml)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the vegetables that will add rich flavor to the ssamjang. Finely mince the onion, Korean chili pepper, and red chili pepper. Slice the green onion stalk. (Note: Green onion is missing in the photo, but it’s essential for a deeper flavor! ^^;;)
Step 2
Gently mash the tofu by holding your knife at a slight angle and lightly scraping the surface. It doesn’t need to be completely smooth; a few small chunks add nice texture.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the ssamjang base. Pour 1 cup (200ml) of fresh water into a pot. Add 6 tablespoons of store-bought ssamjang and stir until well dissolved without any lumps.
Step 4
Add all the prepared green onion, onion, Korean chili pepper, and red chili pepper to the ssamjang water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Step 5
Once the vegetables are fully cooked and soft, add the mashed tofu. Simmer over medium-low heat, allowing the tofu to absorb the ssamjang flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 6
Finally, stir in 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1/2 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma. (You can add a little oligosaccharide syrup if you prefer it sweeter.) Simmer for another moment until everything is well combined. Your delicious Tofu Ssamjang is ready!
Step 7
Prepare some warm rice. Drizzle a little sesame oil over the rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Gently mix the rice with your hands (seasoning it). Be careful not to mash the rice grains.
Step 8
Take portions of the seasoned rice and roll them into neat, bite-sized balls. These are great as a snack for kids or for packing in a lunchbox.
Step 9
Arrange the rice balls attractively in a serving bowl. Top generously with the prepared Tofu Ssamjang. It’s also wonderful served with fresh greens like lettuce or perilla leaves for making wraps. Leftover Tofu Ssamjang can be stored in the refrigerator and used in other dishes!
