Savory and Refreshing Napa Cabbage Soybean Paste Stew
Savory and Refreshing Napa Cabbage Soybean Paste Stew
#RainyDay #NapaCabbageStew #NoMeat #RiceWaterBroth #SimpleHomeCooking #SavoryDoenjangGuk
On a rainy day, a warm and savory bowl of Napa Cabbage Soybean Paste Stew will make you forget the chilly weather. Here’s a simple recipe to achieve a deep, savory flavor without meat, using rice water broth. Inspired by the Tongyeong Chungmu Kimbap featured on the TV show ‘The Travelers’, we’re making a delicious Napa Cabbage Soybean Paste Stew with rice water broth to complement it! The nutty aroma of rice water broth blends perfectly with the refreshing taste of napa cabbage, creating an unforgettable flavor.
Ingredients- 1/2 head of young napa cabbage (approx. 300g)
- 3 Tbsp soybean paste (doenjang)
- 2 Korean green chili peppers (cheongyang peppers)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp chopped scallions
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 L rice water broth
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the rice water broth, which is the essential base for your delicious soybean paste stew. Use about 1 liter of the milky water left after rinsing rice.
Step 2
In the prepared rice water broth, dissolve 3 tablespoons of soybean paste. Stir well to ensure there are no lumps and that the paste is evenly mixed with the broth. This forms the foundation of the stew’s flavor.
Step 3
Gently separate the young napa cabbage leaves and wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. After draining, cut the leaves into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 vertical segments per leaf.
Step 4
Once the rice water broth with the dissolved soybean paste comes to a rolling boil, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of chopped scallions, and 2 Korean green chili peppers, finely sliced. The fragrant garlic and scallions, along with the spicy peppers, will enrich the broth’s flavor.
Step 5
When the broth returns to a rolling boil, add the prepared napa cabbage. Boiling over high heat initially helps to bring out the best flavor from the cabbage.
Step 6
If you prefer a spicier kick, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. After adding the cabbage and boiling briefly over high heat, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer gently until the cabbage is tender and has fully absorbed the flavors of the broth. During this simmering process, the natural sweetness of the cabbage will infuse into the soup, and the savory soybean paste will deeply permeate the cabbage, creating a wonderful harmony.
Step 7
Your savory and refreshing Napa Cabbage Soybean Paste Stew is ready when the cabbage turns translucent and tender, and the broth has a deeper, richer color. Enjoy this heartwarming stew, made especially delicious and savory with rice water broth!
