Spicy and Delicious Shrimp Soft Tofu Stew (Sundubu Jjigae)
Spicy and Delicious Shrimp Soft Tofu Stew (Sundubu Jjigae)
How to Make Shrimp Soft Tofu Stew
This is a deliciously spicy and flavorful soft tofu stew made with plump cocktail shrimp. If you have clams or other seafood at home, feel free to add them for an even richer taste. It’s a perfect recipe for a comforting and satisfying meal at home.
Stew Ingredients- 1 packet soft tofu (sundubu)
- 5 large cocktail shrimp
- 1 handful oyster mushrooms (shredded)
- 1/2 zucchini (sliced)
- 1/4 onion (sliced)
- 1 handful white part of green onion (chopped or sliced)
- 1 handful green part of green onion (sliced)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Korean red chili (cheongyang pepper)
- 600ml anchovy-kelp broth (or rice water)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 2-2.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 pinches sugar
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- A little salted shrimp (saewoojeot) to taste
Shrimp Marinade- 1 Tbsp rice wine (mirin)
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp rice wine (mirin)
- A pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s make the broth, which is the foundation of a delicious stew. In a pot, add 600ml of water and a broth pack (containing anchovies, kelp, etc.). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for 10 minutes to create a rich broth.
Step 2
Thaw the cocktail shrimp in cold water, then rinse them under running water. Pat them dry and marinate with 1 Tbsp of rice wine and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well and let them sit for a bit. This step helps remove any fishy smell and enhances the shrimp’s flavor.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the vegetables for the stew. Slice the zucchini into half-moons or thick strips. Slice the onion similarly. For the oyster mushrooms, remove the tough base and gently shred them into bite-sized pieces with your hands.
Step 4
Separate the white and green parts of the green onions. Chop or finely slice the white parts for sautéing and building the stew’s base flavor. Slice the green parts diagonally for garnishing at the end.
Step 5
Prepare 1 Tbsp of minced garlic. Thinly slice the Korean red chili pepper diagonally for a spicy kick. If you prefer more heat, you can use more chilies or leave the seeds in.
Step 6
Carefully cut the soft tofu into large, manageable pieces that fit the pot. Be gentle to avoid crumbling it too much. You can use a knife or a spoon for this.
Step 7
It’s time to start cooking the stew! Heat a pot over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and 1 Tbsp of cooking oil. Add the chopped white parts of the green onion and minced garlic. Sauté over low heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. This step creates a flavorful base with scallion and garlic oil.
Step 8
Once the aroma of garlic and scallions is released, add 2-2.5 Tbsp of gochugaru (chili flakes). Stir and cook over low heat for about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Sautéing the chili flakes in oil gives the stew a beautiful color and a deeper spicy flavor.
Step 9
Reduce the heat to very low, or even turn it off briefly, then add 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp oyster sauce, and 2 pinches of sugar. Stir well to combine and cook briefly, again being careful not to burn. This step develops a richer, more complex flavor profile.
Step 10
Pour in the prepared anchovy-kelp broth (600ml) and bring it to a boil over high heat. Stir to incorporate the flavored base.
Step 11
Once the broth is boiling, add the sliced onions and zucchini. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender. Avoid overcooking them at this stage to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Step 12
When the vegetables are partially cooked, gently add the marinated cocktail shrimp, oyster mushrooms, and the cut soft tofu. Be careful not to break the tofu as you add it.
Step 13
As the stew comes back to a boil, skim off any foam or scum that rises to the surface with a spoon. This will result in a cleaner, more refined broth. Season with about 1/2 Tbsp of salted shrimp (saewoojeot) to taste. If you don’t have salted shrimp, you can adjust the seasoning with soy sauce or fish sauce. Taste and add more seasoning if needed.
Step 14
Finally, add the sliced green parts of the green onions and the diagonally sliced Korean red chili pepper. Let it simmer for another minute. For an even richer stew, you can crack an egg into the pot at this stage (optional).
Step 15
Your delicious Shrimp Soft Tofu Stew is ready! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice.
