Spicy and Flavorful Tuna Tofu Stew
Spicy and Flavorful Tuna Tofu Stew
A Delicious Tuna Tofu Stew Recipe That’s Perfect for Appetite Loss
While I enjoy hearty soups, I also have a great fondness for thick, flavorful stews. Eating soft tofu that has absorbed the rich broth is truly a rice-thief and an excellent accompaniment to drinks. Today, we’re making a ‘Tuna Tofu Stew’ that captures both of these delights. I’ve been lacking appetite due to the heat lately, but this stew helped me finish a whole bowl of rice for the first time in a while! I hope this recipe helps you rediscover your appetite with a refreshing and spicy stew.
Stew Ingredients- 1 block firm tofu (for pan-frying or stewing)
- 1 can tuna (approx. 150g)
- 1/2 onion
- 1 stalk green onion
- 1/2 Korean chili pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 600ml water
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 2 pinches salt (for seasoning)
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
Seasoning Paste- 2/3 Tbsp doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 2/3 Tbsp gochujang (red chili paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)
- 2/3 Tbsp doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 2/3 Tbsp gochujang (red chili paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the seasoning paste that will give the stew its signature flavor. In a bowl, combine 2/3 Tbsp doenjang, 2/3 Tbsp gochujang, and 1/2 Tbsp soup soy sauce. Mix them thoroughly with a spoon. Making this ahead of time will save you cooking time.
Step 2
Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces. Slightly larger than typical bite-size pieces are recommended for a better texture and to allow them to soak up the flavorful broth. Handle the tofu gently to prevent it from breaking apart.
Step 3
Thinly slice the onion. Be careful not to slice it too thinly, as it can become mushy when stir-fried. Aim for a consistent thickness of about 0.5cm.
Step 4
Finely mince the Korean chili pepper. If you prefer it spicier, you can increase the amount or remove the seeds if you want to reduce the heat. The spicy kick will enhance the stew’s aroma.
Step 5
Slice the green onion diagonally. This shape looks appealing when cooked and helps to infuse the broth with flavor and aroma.
Step 6
Now, let’s start cooking the stew! Heat 2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pot or a Korean earthenware pot (ttukbaegi) over medium heat. Add the sliced green onions and 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic. Stir-fry them until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 7
Once the aroma of green onions and garlic becomes strong, add the sliced onions and 1.5 Tbsp of red pepper flakes (gochugaru). Turn up the heat to high from this point onwards. Stir-frying over high heat helps to develop the ingredients’ flavors.
Step 8
Continue to stir-fry until the onions become translucent and start to turn slightly reddish. This process caramelizes the onions, bringing out their sweetness and deepening the stew’s flavor.
Step 9
When the onions are well-sautéed, carefully pour in 600ml of water. Scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze any browned bits and mix everything together.
Step 10
Add 1/2 Tbsp of sugar to balance the flavors. This helps to cut through any bitterness and enhances the overall umami.
Step 11
Add all of the prepared seasoning paste and bring the stew to a rolling boil, stirring well. Let it simmer to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 12
Once the stew is boiling vigorously, carefully add the tofu pieces. Let it simmer over medium-low heat until the tofu has absorbed a generous amount of broth and the liquid has reduced by about half. This will make the tofu incredibly flavorful.
Step 13
When the broth has reduced to your desired consistency, add the minced Korean chili pepper. This will add a pleasant spicy note to the stew.
Step 14
Finally, add the entire can of tuna. If the tuna packed in oil seems too oily for your preference, you can drain off some of the oil. However, be careful not to drain too much, as this can remove some of its rich, savory flavor. Continue to simmer for a few more minutes until the stew reaches your desired thickness. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a couple of pinches of salt if needed. And it’s ready!
Step 15
Enjoy your rich and spicy Tuna Tofu Stew! It’s best served with a bowl of freshly cooked hot rice for a perfect meal.
