Tofu Soboro Jjajang Deopbap (Black Bean Noodles with Crispy Tofu Crumble)
Tofu Soboro Jjajang Deopbap: A Simple Black Bean Rice Bowl Recipe Using Stir-Fried Jjajang Sauce and Scallion Oil
Experience a delightful twist on a classic! This Tofu Soboro Jjajang Deopbap recipe uses crumbled, pan-fried tofu to mimic the texture of minced meat, creating a savory and satisfying black bean noodle dish served over rice. It’s a wonderfully healthy and delicious meal, perfect for picky eaters and a great option for a quick lunch, snack, or bento box.
Ingredients
- 3 packets Jjajang sauce (Pulmuone Stir-fried Jjajang Sauce recommended)
- 100g Minced meat (beef or pork)
- 1 block Tofu (approx. 300g)
- 1/4 head Cabbage
- 1/4 Carrot (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 Onion
- 1 stalk Green onion
- 2 Tbsp Olive oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables. Chop the cabbage and onion into large, bite-sized pieces. Dice the carrot similarly. Finely chop the green onion, separating it for the scallion oil and for garnish. For the tofu, gently press out excess water with paper towels. Then, crumble it into large pieces using your hands or a fork. (Tip: For an even drier and more crumbly texture, squeeze the crumbled tofu through a cheesecloth or more paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible.)
Step 2
Place the crumbled tofu in a dry pan over medium heat. Without adding any oil, press down on the tofu with a spatula or turner as you stir-fry it. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the tofu loses its moisture, turns golden brown, and becomes crumbly. This process creates a delightful ‘soboro’ texture that resembles minced meat. (Tip: Make sure to stir constantly to prevent burning.)
Step 3
Add the olive oil to a pan and heat over low heat. Add the chopped green onion (for scallion oil) and stir-fry until fragrant and lightly browned, creating scallion-infused oil. Increase the heat to medium, add the minced meat and diced carrot, and stir-fry until the meat is cooked through. The scallion oil helps to eliminate any gamey smell from the meat, while the carrot adds a touch of sweetness.
Step 4
Once the meat and carrots are partially cooked, add the chopped cabbage and onion. Stir-fry until the vegetables soften and become translucent. Pour in the 3 packets of jjajang sauce and stir well to combine everything. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step 5
Finally, add the prepared tofu soboro to the jjajang sauce and gently mix. This completes your delicious Tofu Soboro Jjajang Deopbap! The crumbled, pan-fried tofu provides a chewy texture and rich umami flavor, making it surprisingly similar to minced meat, even without the actual meat in this component. The visual and taste will have you guessing if it’s meat or tofu!
Step 6
This recipe is a fantastic way to trick even the pickiest eaters, especially children who might be hesitant about vegetables or tofu. It’s a hearty meal on its own, and also works wonderfully as a snack or for packing in a lunchbox. Enjoy a special and healthy meal with this creative Tofu Soboro Jjajang Deopbap!
Step 7
We highly recommend this recipe for a special weekend meal or as a ‘survival food’ option during school breaks. Using a pre-made stir-fried jjajang sauce like Pulmuone’s makes it incredibly convenient, as no additional seasoning is required – you get a deep, rich jjajang flavor instantly. We hope this recipe helps you decide on your next meal and brings joy to your dining table!
