Hearty and Comforting Beancurd Stew (Bijijigae)
Hearty and Comforting Beancurd Stew (Bijijigae)
Warm and Flavorful Beancurd Stew for Chilly Days!
After enjoying delicious soft tofu stew at a restaurant, I got some leftover beancurd (biji) and decided to make a warm and savory beancurd stew at home! This is the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold day. Let’s cook up a comforting bowl of this delicious stew!
Ingredients- Pork 80g (cut into small pieces for stew)
- Aged Kimchi 1.5 cups (about 200g, roughly chopped)
- Kimchi Juice 1 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic 1/2 Tbsp
- Canola Oil 1 Tbsp
- Perilla Oil 1 Tbsp
- Salted Shrimp (Saeu-jeot) 1 Tbsp (including liquid)
- Green Onion (scallion) 1/4 stalk (sliced diagonally)
- Beancurd (Biji) 1 pack (approx. 300g, fresh or store-bought)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In a pot or Korean earthenware pot (ttukbaegi), heat 1 Tbsp of perilla oil and 1 Tbsp of canola oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped pork and 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic, and stir-fry until the pork is cooked through and slightly golden brown. The fat from the pork will start to render and add richness.
Step 2
Once the pork is nicely sautéed, add the roughly chopped aged kimchi (1.5 cups) and 1 Tbsp of kimchi juice. Stir-fry together for about 2-3 minutes until the kimchi is softened. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 3
Now, add enough water to cover the ingredients (about 2-3 cups). Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the tangy flavor of the kimchi and the savory essence of the pork to infuse into the broth.
Step 4
Once the broth is simmering, add the beancurd (1 pack). Gently break up any large lumps with a spoon so it mixes smoothly into the broth. Continue to simmer over medium-low heat for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the beancurd to thicken the stew and blend with the flavors. If it becomes too thick, add a little more water.
Step 5
Finally, season the stew with 1 Tbsp of salted shrimp (saeu-jeot) to taste. Garnish with the diagonally sliced green onions, and let it simmer for just another moment. The fresh aroma of the green onions will enhance the overall flavor of the beancurd stew. Serve hot with a bowl of rice for a truly satisfying meal!
