Sweet Zucchini and Clam Doenjang Jjigae (Soybean Paste Stew)
Sweet Zucchini and Clam Doenjang Jjigae (Soybean Paste Stew)
A Hearty and Flavorful Korean Soybean Paste Stew Recipe Featuring Korean Zucchini and Clams
This recipe showcases the delightful Korean traditional zucchini, also known as ‘Joseon Hobak’ or ‘Dunggeun Hobak’ (round zucchini), which offers a sweeter flavor and more tender texture compared to standard zucchini. While its exterior might feel slightly firm, the interior becomes incredibly soft and fluffy when cooked, adding a wonderful depth to stews. Although you can purchase it, there’s a special charm in cooking with a round zucchini grown in a rural garden, isn’t there? Today, we’re making a hearty doenjang jjigae using the round zucchini from Dad’s vegetable patch, infused with the savory notes of clams. This stew is so comforting and delicious, you’ll find yourself reaching for another bowl of rice!
Stew Ingredients- 1 Round Zucchini (or 1 Korean Zucchini/Zucchini)
- 1 handful Clam Meat (approx. 100g)
- 1 Onion
- 2 Potatoes (medium-sized)
- 2 Korean Green Chilies (Cheongyang peppers)
- 1 Red Chili Pepper
- 1 Green Onion
- 3 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Soup Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 1/2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The secret to a delicious doenjang jjigae lies in its broth! While using a broth made from anchovies and kelp is excellent, today we’ll enhance the stew’s umami by creating a refreshing clam broth. Using pre-portioned frozen clam meat makes it easy to add their fresh, briny flavor.
Step 2
Finely slice the 2 Korean green chilies and 1 red chili pepper diagonally after removing the seeds. If you prefer more heat, you can leave the seeds in. Slice the green onion diagonally to add a fragrant aroma.
Step 3
Peel and dice the 2 medium-sized potatoes into approximately 1.5 cm cubes. Potatoes become wonderfully soft and add a comforting texture when cooked thoroughly in the stew.
Step 4
Dice the onion into pieces roughly the same size as the potatoes. The natural sweetness of the onion will dissolve into the stew broth, creating a richer and deeper flavor.
Step 5
Prepare the star ingredient, the round zucchini (or regular zucchini)! Trim the skin and dice it into cubes about 1.5 cm in size. Cutting the potatoes, onion, and zucchini to similar dimensions ensures even cooking and makes for a visually appealing stew. While regular zucchini is a fine substitute, the unique sweetness and fluffy texture of the round zucchini are truly exceptional, so try to use it if you can!
Step 6
Now, let’s make that delicious clam broth! Place the prepared clam meat in a pot and add about 1 cup (Korean paper cup measurement) of water, just enough to cover the clams. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and sauté over medium heat. This method of simmering and sautéing gently extracts the clams’ refreshing flavor and aroma, resulting in a richer broth. (If using fresh clams, you can add them with a little water to the pot and sauté to release their flavorful juices.)
Step 7
This sautéing and simmering process will yield a wonderfully milky and flavorful clam broth. This is the same method I use when making clam soup for an even deeper taste.
Step 8
Add more water to the clam broth to reach your desired stew volume (approximately 3-4 cups). Bring the broth to a rolling boil over high heat.
Step 9
Once the broth is boiling, add 3 tablespoons of doenjang, 1 tablespoon of gochujang, 1/2 tablespoon of gochugaru, and 1 tablespoon of soup soy sauce. Stir well to dissolve the pastes and spices.
Step 10
Add the diced onion, potatoes, and round zucchini to the seasoned broth. Stir gently to ensure the ingredients are submerged and allow the stew to simmer.
Step 11
Cook for about 5 minutes over medium heat, or until the zucchini and potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. This ensures they are cooked through but not mushy.
Step 12
Finally, add the diagonally sliced green chilies, red chili pepper, and green onion. Let the stew simmer for just another minute. This brief cooking time allows the fragrant vegetables to infuse their flavors into the broth, creating a more complex taste. Feel free to add some soft tofu at this stage if you like.
Step 13
Your delicious doenjang jjigae, featuring the sweet round zucchini and refreshing clams, is now ready! Enjoy this comforting stew with a warm bowl of rice.
