Spring Delight: Stir-fried Tofu with Wild Chives and Potatoes
Spring Delight: Stir-fried Tofu with Wild Chives and Potatoes
How to Make Delicious Wild Chive and Tofu Stew (Based on a Popular TV Show Recipe)
Discover the incredibly satisfying ‘Wild Chive and Tofu Stew’, a dish that will have you clearing your plate in no time! Featured on the popular Korean cooking show ‘Manmul-sang’, this recipe combines the fragrant wild chives (dal-rae) of spring with hearty tofu and subtly sweet potatoes for a flavor profile that appeals to all ages. Its simple preparation allows you to enjoy a rich and deep taste right in your own kitchen. Perfect as a side dish for rice or even as a tasty appetizer, this dish is a true delight. Try making this flavorful wild chive and tofu stew today!
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch fresh wild chives (dal-rae, approx. 100g)
- 1 large potato (or 2 small potatoes)
- 1 block firm tofu (approx. 300g)
Seasoning Sauce- 1.5 Tbsp fine gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
- 5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesil-cheong)
- 1 Tbsp rice wine or mirin
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp chili oil (gochu-oil)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deul-kkae-gi-reum)
- 1 cup water (200ml)
- 1.5 Tbsp fine gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
- 5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesil-cheong)
- 1 Tbsp rice wine or mirin
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp chili oil (gochu-oil)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deul-kkae-gi-reum)
- 1 cup water (200ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s begin by preparing the stars of our dish: the fresh wild chives, the hearty tofu, and the subtly sweet potatoes.
Step 2
For the potatoes, use one large potato or two small ones. If using a large potato, cut it in half lengthwise and then slice it about 0.5 cm thick. This helps the potatoes cook evenly and absorb the flavors more effectively.
Step 3
Slice the tofu into approximately 1 cm thick pieces and arrange them in a single layer to cover the bottom of your pot. Placing the tofu on the cold bottom of the pot before turning on the heat is a clever trick to prevent splattering and ensure a smoother cooking process. Once the tofu is arranged, drizzle 2 tablespoons each of perilla oil and cooking oil evenly over the tofu slices.
Step 4
Now, add the chili oil over the tofu. This step not only adds a hint of spice but also helps to achieve a wonderfully chewy texture for the tofu and acts as a natural preservative, keeping your dish fresh for longer.
Step 5
To prepare the wild chives, first clean them by removing any dirt or tough outer layers from the bulbous roots. If the roots are particularly thick, gently press them with your finger under running water to reduce any slight bitterness. Chop the cleaned wild chives into roughly 4cm lengths. In a bowl, combine the chopped wild chives with plum extract, rice wine, minced garlic, chopped green onion, soy sauce, and fine gochugaru. Gently mix everything together to create your flavorful seasoning sauce.
Step 6
It’s time to assemble the stew! Carefully arrange the sliced potatoes over the tofu layer. Then, generously spoon the prepared wild chive seasoning sauce over the potatoes. While placing the potatoes first might seem unusual, the starch released from the potatoes as they cook will thicken the sauce beautifully and add a natural sweetness to the dish.
Step 7
Pour 1 cup (200ml) of water gently around the edges of the pot. (You can adjust the amount of water based on your preference for saltiness; if your soy sauce is particularly salty, add a little more water). Cover the pot with a lid and simmer over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has slightly thickened. You can gently stir the ingredients once or twice during cooking for even distribution.
Step 8
Voila! Your appetizing Wild Chive and Tofu Stew is ready. Notice how nothing has stuck to the bottom and the potatoes are perfectly cooked. It looks absolutely delicious!
Step 9
As you can see in the photo, the tofu and potatoes hold their shape beautifully without breaking apart. This dish is incredibly comforting and perfect for a quick meal – simply spoon it over a bowl of hot rice and mix it all together. Enjoy this delightful combination of fragrant chives and satisfying tofu!
