**Introduction**
Korean cuisine is famous for its hearty soups and broths, and among them, Soondubu Jjigae stands out as a beloved comfort food. This spicy soft tofu stew is both nutritious and satisfying, perfect for a chilly day or whenever you crave something warming. Soft tofu is the star ingredient, offering a silky texture that melts in your mouth while soaked in a rich, flavorful broth. Today, I will introduce you to this classic Korean dish with a simple recipe tailored for one serving.
**Main Content**
*Ingredients (for 1 serving):*
– Soft tofu (silken tofu) – 150 grams
– Pork belly or beef, thinly sliced – 50 grams
– Korean chili powder (gochugaru) – 5 grams
– Korean chili paste (gochujang) – 5 grams
– Garlic, minced – 3 grams (about 1 small clove)
– Green onion, chopped – 10 grams (about 1 stalk)
– Soy sauce – 7 ml (about 1.5 tsp)
– Sesame oil – 5 ml (1 tsp)
– Vegetable or anchovy broth – 250 ml
– Egg – 1 (optional)
– Salt – to taste
*Step-by-step Recipe:*
1. **Prepare Broth:** In a small pot, bring the vegetable or anchovy broth to a simmer. Using anchovy broth will give a deeper umami flavor typical to Korean stews.
2. **Cook Meat:** Add the sliced pork or beef into the pot and stir gently as it cooks through for about 2-3 minutes over medium heat.
3. **Add Seasonings:** Mix in the minced garlic, Korean chili powder, and chili paste. Stir well to combine with the meat and broth, allowing the flavors to infuse for 2 minutes.
4. **Add Tofu:** Carefully spoon in the soft tofu without breaking it too much, breaking it into large chunks with a spoon. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes so it soaks up the spicy broth.
5. **Season:** Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt as needed according to your taste.
6. **Add Green Onions:** Sprinkle chopped green onions on top just before turning off the heat for a fresh aroma.
7. **Optional Egg:** If you like, crack one raw egg into the hot stew. The heat will gently poach the egg, giving extra richness and texture.
8. **Serve:** Serve soaking hot, ideally with a bowl of steamed rice on the side to balance the spiciness. Use a spoon to enjoy the silky tofu and rich broth with every bite.
**Conclusion**
Soondubu Jjigae is a perfect example of Korean home cooking that emphasizes bold flavors and comforting textures. This simple yet delicious stew can easily be made at home with basic Korean ingredients, many of which can be found in Asian grocery stores or online. Whether you are new to Korean food or a longtime fan, Soondubu Jjigae is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe when you want something nourishing and satisfying. Give it a try and warm your soul with a bowl of homemade Korean soft tofu stew!
