Introduction
Korean cuisine is famous for its bold and comforting stews, and among these, Doenjang Jjigae stands out as a true staple. This traditional Korean soybean paste stew combines rich, savory flavors with simple, nutritious ingredients, making it a perfect meal for any day. It’s beloved for its earthy taste, warmth, and the healthy benefits of fermented soybean paste (doenjang). Today, I’m excited to share an easy-to-follow recipe for a single serving of Doenjang Jjigae that you can enjoy anytime.
Main Content – Doenjang Jjigae Recipe (Serves 1)
**Ingredients:**
– Water: 300 ml
– Doenjang (Korean soybean paste): 20 g
– Zucchini: 50 g (about ⅓ small zucchini), sliced
– Potato: 50 g, peeled and diced
– Onion: 30 g (about ⅓ small onion), sliced
– Korean green chili (optional): 1 small, sliced
– Tofu: 60 g, cut into cubes
– Garlic: 1 clove (3 g), minced
– Dried anchovies (for broth): 5 g
– Green onion: 10 g, chopped
– Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
– Korean red chili flakes (gochugaru): 1 teaspoon (optional, about 2 g)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare broth:** In a small pot, bring 300 ml of water to a boil. Add dried anchovies and let it simmer for 5 minutes to create a light broth. Remove the anchovies after simmering.
2. **Add soybean paste:** Whisk in 20 g of doenjang into the broth until fully dissolved, giving the stew its rich umami flavor.
3. **Add vegetables:** Add diced potato, sliced zucchini, and onion to the pot. Let them cook for about 7 minutes over medium heat until the potatoes start to soften.
4. **Add tofu and seasoning:** Gently add tofu cubes, minced garlic, and green chili slices if using. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes to let the flavors blend.
5. **Finish with green onion and sesame oil:** Add the chopped green onion and drizzle 1 teaspoon of sesame oil for extra aroma. For a spicy kick, sprinkle gochugaru to taste.
6. **Serve:** Serve hot with a bowl of steamed rice for a perfect balanced Korean meal.
Conclusion
Doenjang Jjigae is more than just a stew—it’s a comforting bowl of Korean tradition that invites you to experience the deep flavors of fermented soybean paste combined with fresh vegetables and tofu. This simple recipe is perfect for those who want to taste authentic Korean home cooking at any time. Try it out and warm yourself with a bowl of this hearty stew!
