Savory Napa Cabbage and Soybean Paste Stew (Baechu Doenjang Guk)
Savory Napa Cabbage and Soybean Paste Stew (Baechu Doenjang Guk)
Hearty and Comforting Napa Cabbage Doenjang Stew
To satisfy my husband’s craving for a warm bowl of Baechu Doenjang Guk, I’ve prepared a bubbling, comforting stew. This recipe is designed to be detailed and easy to follow, bringing the authentic taste of Korean home cooking to your table. The rice water base adds a wonderful depth, complemented by the slightly sweet Napa cabbage and the refreshing crunch of daikon radish.
Main Ingredients- 8 large leaves of Napa cabbage
- 1/4 medium Daikon radish
- 2 tablespoons Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- A small bunch of green onions (scallions)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- Pinch of salt (or Korean soup soy sauce)
- 2 cups rice water (approximately 400ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s begin by making a delicious and comforting Napa Cabbage Doenjang Stew. This is the perfect recipe for when you’re craving a warm, soul-soothing soup.
Step 2
First, wash the Napa cabbage thoroughly and chop it into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm long. Next, peel the Daikon radish and slice it into thick matchsticks, about 0.5 cm thick. Slicing them too thinly can cause them to break apart while cooking.
Step 3
Place the prepared Napa cabbage and the julienned Daikon radish into a pot. Pour in the rice water. Using rice water will make the broth much more savory and richer. If you don’t have rice water, you can substitute it with plain water or anchovy-kelp broth.
Step 4
In a sieve placed over the pot, dissolve the Doenjang into the rice water, ensuring there are no clumps. This step is crucial for a clear and smooth broth. Add the minced garlic at this stage as well; its pungent aroma blends beautifully with the soybean paste.
Step 5
Once the stew starts to boil, use a spoon to gently skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface. This process helps to create a cleaner, more refined broth.
Step 6
Wash the green onions and chop them finely. Adding them just before serving will impart a fresh, aromatic flavor to the stew.
Step 7
Reduce the heat to low, and add the chopped green onions. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for a short while longer, allowing the flavors to meld together. It doesn’t need to cook for a long time.
Step 8
And there you have it – a wonderfully savory and refreshing Napa Cabbage Doenjang Stew! Enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal with a warm bowl of rice.
Step 9
Pro Tip: While Doenjang stew with just cabbage is delicious, adding thinly julienned Daikon radish along with the cabbage significantly enhances the flavor with its refreshing taste and crisp texture, making for an even more delightful and satisfying stew!
