Refreshing & Spicy Zucchini Stew (Ae-hobak Jjigae)
Refreshing & Spicy Zucchini Stew (Ae-hobak Jjigae)
Zucchini Stew
Craving a refreshing and spicy stew, or need a quick hangover cure? This Ae-hobak Jjigae is perfect! Featuring tender zucchini and a clear vegetable broth, it offers a deep umami flavor that’s surprisingly easy to make. Its universally loved taste makes it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Main Ingredients- 2 cups water (approx. 400ml)
- 1/2 medium zucchini
- 1/2 medium onion
- 2 Korean green chili peppers (adjust to spice preference)
Seasoning- 1/2 Tbsp salted shrimp (key to the broth’s flavor!)
- 1/2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp beef bouillon powder (or kelp extract for umami boost)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
- Pinch of black pepper
- Small amount of green onion (chopped)
- 1/2 Tbsp salted shrimp (key to the broth’s flavor!)
- 1/2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp beef bouillon powder (or kelp extract for umami boost)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
- Pinch of black pepper
- Small amount of green onion (chopped)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Slice the zucchini into half-moon shapes about 0.5cm thick, or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Slice the onion similarly, and thinly slice the green chili peppers diagonally. (Feel free to adjust the type or amount of chili peppers to your liking.)
Step 2
Pour 2 cups (approx. 400ml) of water into a pot and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add all the prepared zucchini, onion, and green chili peppers. Then, add 1/2 Tbsp salted shrimp, 1/2 Tbsp Gochugaru, 1/2 Tbsp beef bouillon powder, and 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic. Salted shrimp is the secret ingredient for a clear and deep broth flavor, so don’t skip it!
Step 3
Bring the stew back to a rolling boil after adding all ingredients. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender. Finally, add the chopped green onion and simmer for another minute to finish. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed and sprinkle with a bit of black pepper. Enjoy this delicious stew with a warm bowl of rice!
