Hearty Beef Doenjang Jjigae (Korean Soybean Paste Stew)
Rich and Savory Beef Doenjang Jjigae
When you lack appetite due to the heat, make a generous batch of this hearty beef doenjang jjigae! I made a slightly larger portion because I’m craving it with fresh cabbage wraps. It’s perfect for a satisfying meal.
Main Ingredients
- 100g ground beef (lean cuts are recommended)
- 2 potatoes (medium-sized)
- 1 onion (medium-sized)
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- A generous amount of green onion
- 3 tablespoons doenjang (Korean soybean paste – homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Welcome! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for ‘Beef Doenjang Jjigae,’ a fantastic dish that’s sure to become a favorite rice companion. Its rich, savory flavor is truly exceptional.
Step 2
First, wash all your vegetables thoroughly. Dice the potatoes and onion into approximately 0.7cm cubes. Finely chop the Korean green chili pepper (removing seeds if you prefer less heat) and the green onion. Lightly pat the ground beef with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 3
Heat a pan over medium-low heat with a little cooking oil. Add the chopped green onions and sauté until fragrant, creating a flavorful green onion oil. Then, add the diced onion and potatoes. Stir-fry them together until the onions become translucent and the potatoes are slightly tender (about 3-4 minutes).
Step 4
Now, add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with your spatula and cook until it’s no longer pink. Once the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic and doenjang. Continue to stir-fry for about 1 more minute, ensuring the doenjang doesn’t burn.
Step 5
Pour in the rice water (or kelp broth), starting with 1 cup and adding up to 1.5 cups to achieve your desired consistency. Stir well to dissolve the doenjang and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. (This is also a good time to add optional ingredients like gochugaru or sugar, if using.)
Step 6
Add the finely chopped Korean green chili pepper to the stew. Stir it in to distribute the fresh, spicy flavor throughout the doenjang.
Step 7
Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially or leave it uncovered, and let it simmer gently for about 10 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the stew to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow simmering creates a deeper, more delicious flavor.
Step 8
Your delicious and savory Beef Doenjang Jjigae is now ready! Serve it over warm rice for a delightful meal, or enjoy it with fresh vegetable wraps. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that the whole family will love!
