Spicy and Silken Tuna Tofu Stew
Perfect for When You Have No Appetite! An Easy and Simple All-Purpose Tuna Tofu Stew Recipe
It sounds like you’ve lost your appetite due to medication after your COVID-19 vaccination. During times like these, it’s important to boost your spirits with simple yet delicious food. Introducing Tuna Tofu Stew, a fantastic combination of Koreans’ beloved tuna and silky smooth tofu. It’s so quick and easy to make that you can enjoy it without any fuss, even on busy days or when you’re not feeling hungry. Its savory and deep umami flavor will have you finishing a bowl of rice in no time!
Ingredients
- 1 block Firm Tofu (approx. 270g)
- 1 can Tuna (150g)
- 1 Cheongyang pepper (Korean chili pepper)
- 1 cup Water (200ml)
Seasoning
- 2 Tbsp minced Green Onion
- 2 Tbsp minced Onion
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (for soup)
- 1 tsp Tuna Extract or Fish Sauce
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract or Syrup
- 1 tsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp minced Green Onion
- 2 Tbsp minced Onion
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (for soup)
- 1 tsp Tuna Extract or Fish Sauce
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract or Syrup
- 1 tsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes, about 2cm thick, and carefully place them into a pot. Handle the tofu gently to prevent it from breaking.
Step 2
Prepare the minced green onion and minced onion in a small bowl. Finely mincing the onion will help it dissolve into the stew, adding sweetness and depth of flavor.
Step 3
In a separate small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp tuna extract, 1 tsp sesame oil, a pinch of black pepper, 1 Tbsp plum extract, and 1 tsp gochugaru. Add the prepared minced green onion and onion, then mix well to create the seasoning paste. The plum extract not only adds umami but also a subtle sweetness that enhances the stew’s overall flavor.
Step 4
Add the drained tuna from the can into the pot with the tofu. Pour in the prepared seasoning paste and 1 cup (200ml) of water.
Step 5
Bring the stew to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling vigorously, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This simmering time allows the tofu to absorb the flavors, making the stew even more delicious.
Step 6
If you like it spicy, finely chop the Cheongyang pepper and sprinkle it over the stew. If you prefer a milder heat, you can remove the seeds before chopping. For a bit of color, you can also add some chopped red bell pepper.
Step 7
Simmer for another moment. The spicy aroma of the chili pepper will infuse into the broth, creating a wonderfully appetizing stew.
Step 8
And there you have it – a simple, easy, and delicious Tuna Tofu Stew is complete! Enjoy it with a bowl of rice, especially when you need a satisfying meal without much effort. It’s a fantastic dish that can be enjoyed on its own without needing many side dishes.
