Refreshing Clam Soft Tofu Stew (Bageoraji Sundubu Jjigae)
Refreshing Clam Soft Tofu Stew (Bageoraji Sundubu Jjigae)
The Stew You’ll Always Want to Mix with Rice: Clam Soft Tofu Stew
A stew that makes you want to mix it with rice every time! This Clam Soft Tofu Stew is packed with refreshing and savory flavors. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly day.
Main Ingredients- 1 pack Soft Tofu (approx. 300-400g)
- 100g Pork (pork belly or neck recommended)
- 1 pack Fresh Clams (approx. 200g)
- 1/2 Onion
- 1 Green Chili Pepper
- 1/2 Red Chili Pepper
- 1/2 Green Onion stalk
Seasoning & Broth- 3 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to spice preference)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang, for soup)
- 3 cups Anchovy Broth (approx. 600ml)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (e.g., Anchovy or Sand Lance)
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (cooking wine)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (for seasoning adjustment)
- 3 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to spice preference)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang, for soup)
- 3 cups Anchovy Broth (approx. 600ml)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (e.g., Anchovy or Sand Lance)
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (cooking wine)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (for seasoning adjustment)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the pork (pork belly is great for flavor) and some kimchi, chopped finely. Finely chopping the pork will allow it to better absorb the flavors and enhance the overall taste.
Step 2
Fresh clams are key to the refreshing and clean taste of this stew. It’s important to purge them of any sand or grit. **How to Purge Clams:** Soak the clams in cold water with half a tablespoon of salt. Cover the bowl with a black plastic bag and leave them in a dark place for about 2 hours. Afterward, rinse the clams thoroughly under running water.
Step 3
Here are all the ingredients for today’s star dish, Clam Soft Tofu Stew! The silky soft tofu, savory pork, briny clams, and crisp vegetables will come together to create a delightful flavor profile.
Step 4
Let’s quickly confirm the ingredients: 1 pack soft tofu, 100g pork, 1 pack clams, 1/2 onion, 1 green chili pepper, 1/2 red chili pepper, 1/2 green onion stalk.
Step 5
The foundation for a delicious and appetizing stew starts with infusing oil! Heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pot. Add the finely chopped pork and stir-fry until it starts to brown. Then, add 1.5 tablespoons of gochugaru and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Stir-fry over medium-low heat, being careful not to burn the chili flakes, to develop a rich aroma. You’ll see the oil turn reddish as the pork cooks.
Step 6
Once the chili oil is fragrant, add the finely chopped kimchi to the pot. Stir-fry everything together with the pork and seasonings until the kimchi is softened and well combined. This will add a deeper layer of flavor.
Step 7
Now, pour in 3 cups of anchovy broth to enhance the savory notes. If you don’t have anchovy broth, you can use rice water or plain water, but broth will provide a much richer umami flavor.
Step 8
Once the broth comes to a rolling boil, add all the thoroughly purged clams.
Step 9
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer until the clams open their shells. The clams will release their delicious juices, making the broth even more flavorful.
Step 10
While the stew is simmering, prepare the remaining vegetables. Slice the onion thinly, thinly slice the green and red chili peppers diagonally, and slice the green onion stalk diagonally as well.
Step 11
Now it’s time to add the magic that will complete the flavor of the soft tofu stew! Uncover the pot and let’s add the seasonings.
Step 12
Here are the key seasonings for the stew: 3 Tbsp Cooking Oil (used for sautéing), 1.5 Tbsp Gochugaru, 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (for soup), 3 cups Anchovy Broth, 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic, 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce, 1 Tbsp Mirin, 1/2 tsp Salt.
Step 13
Add the prepared seasonings to the sautéed ingredients and broth, and bring it back to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the soft tofu in its block form. Be gentle to prevent it from breaking apart.
Step 14
After adding the tofu, use a spoon or ladle to gently fold the tofu from the bottom to the top a few times, without mashing it too much. This helps the tofu absorb the broth while keeping its shape.
Step 15
Now, add the prepared vegetables (onion, chili peppers, green onion) and simmer for a bit longer. Finally, carefully crack an egg yolk right into the center of the stew. (Adding the egg white can make the broth cloudy, so using only the yolk is recommended.)
Step 16
Simmer briefly one more time to let all the flavors meld together, and your delicious Clam Soft Tofu Stew is ready!
Step 17
Look at that appetizing visual with the egg yolk floating on top! It truly feels like a restaurant-quality meal. Your mouth will start watering!
Step 18
Serve a generous portion of soft tofu and other ingredients over hot rice. You can gently break the cooked egg yolk and mix it in for an even richer taste. Alternatively, start with a spoonful of the hot broth to savor the explosion of savory flavors.
Step 19
A hearty bowl of soft tofu stew piled over perfectly cooked rice. It’s a visually satisfying meal that promises a delicious experience.
Step 20
Drizzle some of the flavorful broth over your rice and mix. You’ll find your bowl of rice disappearing in no time – it’s that irresistible!
Step 21
This Clam Soft Tofu Stew offers a perfectly balanced spicy yet refreshing broth! The clams add a unique depth of savory flavor, making it truly special. On a chilly winter day, enjoy a hearty and delicious breakfast with this warm, spicy, and refreshing stew. Enjoy your meal!
