Spicy and Refreshing Potato and Zucchini Gochujang Stew
Spicy and Refreshing Potato and Zucchini Gochujang Stew
Whip Up a Deliciously Spicy Potato and Zucchini Gochujang Stew with What You Have!
Give those potatoes and zucchini languishing in your fridge a delicious makeover into a hearty stew! The piquant gochujang broth combined with the refreshing taste of vegetables makes this stew incredibly addictive, perfect for finishing a bowl of rice. Let me share the secrets to its simple yet profound flavor.
Fresh Ingredients for a Flavorful Stew- 3 potatoes (adjust size as needed)
- 1/2 zucchini (slice into half-moons)
- 1/2 onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 handfuls of oyster mushrooms (tear into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 stalk of green onion (slice diagonally)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (freshly minced garlic will enhance the aroma)
- 1 chili pepper (add more if you like it spicier, finely chopped)
- 1 red chili pepper (for color, finely chopped)
Special Seasonings for Rich Umami- 1.5 Tbsp gochujang (mixing with doenjang adds even deeper flavor)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (use up to 1.5 Tbsp for extra spiciness)
- 1 tsp dried anchovy powder (adds deep umami without needing anchovy broth)
- 1 tsp dried shrimp powder (enhances the seafood’s refreshing taste)
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (can substitute with soy sauce or fish sauce)
- Dashida (or MSG, adjust seasoning to your taste)
- 1.5 Tbsp gochujang (mixing with doenjang adds even deeper flavor)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (use up to 1.5 Tbsp for extra spiciness)
- 1 tsp dried anchovy powder (adds deep umami without needing anchovy broth)
- 1 tsp dried shrimp powder (enhances the seafood’s refreshing taste)
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (can substitute with soy sauce or fish sauce)
- Dashida (or MSG, adjust seasoning to your taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all the ingredients for the stew. Peel the potatoes and cut them into large cubes. Slice the zucchini into half-moon shapes. Thinly slice the onion, and trim the ends of the oyster mushrooms before tearing them into manageable pieces. Slice the green onion, chili pepper, and red chili pepper diagonally. Having all ingredients prepped will prevent you from rushing during cooking.
Step 2
Now, it’s time to make the stew base. Pour water into a pot and dissolve 1.5 tablespoons of gochujang until smooth. Dissolving it in cold water helps prevent clumps and ensures a smooth paste.
Step 3
Add 1 tablespoon of gochugaru to the gochujang water to enhance the spiciness and add a vibrant color. Stir well to combine, creating the foundation for your spicy stew broth.
Step 4
Add the prepared potatoes to the pot first. Potatoes take longer to cook than other vegetables, so adding them early ensures they are tender when the stew is done.
Step 5
While waiting for the potatoes to cook partially, stir in 1 teaspoon of dried anchovy powder and 1 teaspoon of dried shrimp powder to add deep umami and a refreshing seafood flavor to the broth. Now, turn on the heat and bring the stew to a boil.
Step 6
Once the stew is boiling vigorously, skim off any foam that rises to the surface. This step will result in a cleaner and clearer broth. Continue to simmer, checking if the potatoes are about halfway cooked.
Step 7
When the potatoes are half-cooked, add the prepared zucchini, onion, oyster mushrooms, and the chili peppers (both green and red) for heat and color. Let it simmer further after adding the vegetables.
Step 8
As the vegetables begin to cook, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to perfect the beloved Korean stew flavor. The pungent aroma of garlic will significantly enhance the overall taste of the stew.
Step 9
Now it’s time to season. Add 2 tablespoons of fish sauce for extra umami, and let it simmer gently over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes. This prolonged simmering allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to fully infuse into the broth, creating a richer taste. Finally, add a little Dashida (or MSG) to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Step 10
Finally, add the diagonally sliced green onions and simmer for another 5 minutes. Your delicious Potato and Zucchini Gochujang Stew is now complete! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice.
