Rich and Savory Pork Cheonggukjang Stew
Rich and Savory Pork Cheonggukjang Stew
A Hearty and Flavorful Cheonggukjang Stew with Ground Pork!
This Cheonggukjang (fermented soybean paste) stew is enhanced with the addition of ground pork, making it incredibly tender and even more deliciously savory. Its mild and non-irritating flavor profile makes it perfect for toddlers and children to enjoy. This stew is so satisfying, it’s sure to make you want to finish a whole bowl of rice!
Stew Ingredients- 2 blocks Cheonggukjang (approx. 200g)
- 1 handful dried zucchini (approx. 20g)
- 1 block firm tofu (large)
- 200g Korean radish (daikon)
- 1/2 red chili pepper
Broth and Seasoning- 5 cups rice water (approx. 1L)
- A pinch of salt (to taste)
- 5 cups rice water (approx. 1L)
- A pinch of salt (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 5 cups (about 1L) of rice water in a pot or earthenware pot and begin to heat it. Rice water, the water left after washing rice, helps to make the stew broth more savory and smooth.
Step 2
Once the rice water starts boiling, add the 200g of Korean radish, cut into small cubes. (Tip: I used pre-portioned and frozen cubed radish for convenience.) Let it boil vigorously until the radish becomes tender.
Step 3
Lightly rinse the dried zucchini under running water to remove any dust, then cut it into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3cm). Soaked dried zucchini adds a soft texture and a subtle sweetness to the stew.
Step 4
Prepare 200g of ground pork. Using fresh pork will further enhance the stew’s rich flavor.
Step 5
Cut one large block of firm tofu into slightly larger cubes, about 2-2.5cm. Tofu adds softness and helps make the stew more filling.
Step 6
Add the prepared dried zucchini and ground pork to the boiling rice water. Then, add 2 blocks of Cheonggukjang (based on commercially available products) and gently stir to break up the blocks. (Tip: You can adjust the amount of Cheonggukjang according to your preference. I used 2 blocks of store-bought Cheonggukjang.)
Step 7
Once the Cheonggukjang has dissolved and the stew is simmering, add the cubed tofu and the red chili pepper, halved, seeded, and thinly sliced. The red chili adds a fresh color and a mild hint of spice to the stew.
Step 8
Simmer until the tofu floats to the surface, indicating it’s cooked through. Taste the stew and add a pinch of salt if needed to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Your delicious Cheonggukjang stew is ready!
Step 9
With the addition of ground pork, this Cheonggukjang stew has become wonderfully tender and deeply flavorful. Its mild and savory taste makes it a great dish for children too, making it perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Savor a hearty meal with a warm bowl of rice!
