Traditional Korean Doenjang Jigae (Soybean Paste Stew)

A deeply comforting Korean soybean paste stew simmered slowly with potatoes, tofu, zucchini, and savory fermented pastes in an earthenware pot.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp soybean paste
• 1 tbsp chili paste
• 2 potatoes
• 1 zucchini
• 1 block tofu
• 1 onion
• 2 green chili peppers
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp seasoning powder
• as needed water
• optional shiitake mushrooms
• optional clams

Instructions

1. 1Cut and boil potatoes

   

   Cut potatoes into chunks and place them into a traditional clay pot filled with water over a gas burner. Bring the water to a boil to start cooking the potatoes.

   Tip: Cut the potato chunks into uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
2. 2Add soybean and chili pastes

   

   Add two spoons of soybean paste and one spoon of chili paste directly into the pot containing the boiling water and potatoes, then stir well.

   Tip: Dissolve the pastes thoroughly into the broth to build the foundational flavor.
3. 3Add onions and green chilies

   

   Toss chopped onions and green chili peppers into the pot to infuse the soup with natural sweetness and a mild kick of heat.

   Tip: Adjust the amount of green chili peppers depending on your preferred level of spiciness.
4. 4Add sliced zucchini

   

   Add fresh sliced zucchini into the pot alongside the existing ingredients, letting them cook and soften in the flavorful broth.

   Tip: Zucchini adds a tender texture and fresh flavor to the stew.
5. 5Add cubed tofu

   

   Add cubed tofu gently into the simmering pot to absorb the rich flavors of the soybean broth.

   Tip: Handle the tofu cubes gently so they do not break apart while simmering.
6. 6Add chili powder and seasoning

   

   Sprinkle chili powder and seasoning powder into the center of the pot over the ingredients to enhance the color and depth of the stew.

   Tip: Stir the spices in gently to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the pot.
7. 7Gently Stir the Stew

   

   Gently stir the simmering stew with a spoon to prevent ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Using a traditional clay pot helps yield the best authentic flavor.

   Tip: Stir gently so that the soft chunks of tofu and vegetables do not break apart.
8. 8Test Potato Doneness

   

   Use a spoon to press against or cut through a potato chunk in the boiling stew to check its texture. If the potato can be easily cut through, it means the vegetables are thoroughly cooked and the stew is ready.

   Tip: Make sure to test the thickest part of the potato chunk to ensure even cooking.
9. 9Simmer and Skim Foam

   

   Bring the stew to a boil and then reduce the heat to the lowest setting to let it simmer slowly. Constantly skim off any foam or impurities rising to the surface to maintain a clean, rich broth flavor.

   Tip: The longer it stews over low heat, the more flavorful and savory the soup becomes.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions