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Kimchi Soft Tofu Stew (Soondubu Jjigae) Recipe

Kimchi Soft Tofu Stew (Soondubu Jjigae)
Difficulty: Easy | Total Time: About 35 mins | Makes: 3 servings

This Korean kimchi soft tofu stew has a fiery broth that infuses custardy tofu with deep flavors and spices. Traditionally served at the table boiling hot in its cooking vessel with an egg cracked in the middle, this healthy dish full of vegetables and protein warms the belly and satiates the palate.

What to buy: While you can find kimchi at many grocery stores (and it’s fine to use store-bought here), try your hand at making your own.

Korean chile paste, also known as kochujang or hot pepper paste, is a fermented mixture of glutinous rice, soybeans, and red pepper powder. It is found in jars or plastic tubs in Korean markets and will last indefinitely refrigerated in a covered container. Add spoonfuls to soups, marinades, and salad dressings for a spicy kick.

More kimchi recipes.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, medium dice
  • Kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons Korean chile paste
  • 1 medium zucchini, medium dice
  • 1 cup Napa Cabbage Kimchi, coarsely chopped
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 (14- to 16-ounce) package silken or soft tofu, drained
  • 3 large eggs (optional)
  • 2 medium scallions, thinly sliced (white and light green parts only)
  • Steamed white or brown rice, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan with a tightfitting lid over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the chile paste, stir to combine, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the zucchini, season with salt, and stir to combine. Add the kimchi and cook, stirring occasionally, until simmering, about 2 minutes. Add the broth and soy sauce and bring to a boil. Taste and season with salt as needed.
  3. Using a large serving spoon, add the tofu by very large spoonfuls, taking care not to break up the tofu into little bits. Gently press down on the tofu with the back of the spoon so that the broth is mostly covering it. Simmer until the tofu is heated through and the flavors have melded, about 3 minutes.
  4. Crack the eggs, if using, into the simmering mixture. Cover and simmer until the whites are set, about 2 minutes. Divide the stew and eggs among 3 bowls, being careful not to break up the tofu or the egg yolks. Garnish with the scallions and serve immediately with rice on the side.
    Write a review | 9 Reviews
  • Kimchi Soft Tofu Stew (Soondubu Jjigae) Recipe
    5

    Wow, was this ever easy and delicious! Used store-bought kimchi. Added the egg and that provided a nice texture nuance. I liked having the rice on the side; it balanced the spice of the stew.

  • Kimchi Soft Tofu Stew (Soondubu Jjigae) Recipe
    5

    Made kimchi stew tonight. A little Korean chile paste goes a long way. Stew was delicious. Added both cabbage and radish kimchi. My husband had his over rice. I had stew w/o rice. No egg added. A very heathly, low calorie meal. Very hearty. Will definitely make again.

  • Kimchi Soft Tofu Stew (Soondubu Jjigae) Recipe
    5

    Amazing! I used the kimchi I made from the link in the recipe. I had to make a few changes, though, because Korean chili paste can be hard to find here. I replaced it by an equivalent amount of garlic doenjang paste and some sriracha. It was delicious anyway, it's so satisfying yet pretty healthy. Will definitely make again.

  • Kimchi Soft Tofu Stew (Soondubu Jjigae) Recipe
    4

    I added some mushrooms and ground beef, turned out really well. Will eat again!

  • Kimchi Soft Tofu Stew (Soondubu Jjigae) Recipe
    3

    soondubu jigae doesn't have kimchee in it...this is like soondubu jigae and kimchee jigae had a baby. Also where's the meat??? Soondubu usually has all kinds of stuff in it, like beef and/or seafood. I'm not saying this isn't tasty (it is), but don't call it soondubu.

  • Kimchi Soft Tofu Stew (Soondubu Jjigae) Recipe
    4

    Simple and delicious.

  • Kimchi Soft Tofu Stew (Soondubu Jjigae) Recipe
    5

    Fantastic! My husband can't do spicy, so I skipped it and the result was still hearty and flavorful. A new go-to for us too.

  • Kimchi Soft Tofu Stew (Soondubu Jjigae) Recipe
    5

    Look out, hot-sour! This is a real heartwarmer!

  • Kimchi Soft Tofu Stew (Soondubu Jjigae) Recipe
    4

    This has become a go to dish for me. I almost have kimchi in the fridge now. While I don't put in as much of the paste I still end up with a very lively and delicious soup.

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