Doenjang Jjigae

Doenjang jjigae (된장 찌개) is yet another famous traditional Korean stew (besides kimchi jjigae). This stew is made of doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste) with vegetables, seafood, tofu, etc. Between kimchi jjigae and doenjang jjigae (both are my fav), if I have to choose only one I would pick doenjang jjigae anytime. Why? Because of its burst of flavours. Both jjigae are easy to prepare and cook.

L.O.V.E


My ingredients for doenjang jjigae. Colorful yeah? Wish I had some prawns or squid with me.

Add potato, onion, garlic, pumpkin, mushroom, red chili and dried anchovies into the earthenware pot. I’m using a medium-sized pot. Will need to buy a bigger pot. It’s just not enough for my whole family. Hehe

Add enough water to cover. Then cook until it boils.

Previously I used Sun Chang doenjang for my other doenjang recipes. Here I’m using Haechandeul doenjang. Love its taste in jjigae but not so in pajeon. I think I’ll go back to Sun Chang after this.

Add 2 1/2 tablespoon of doenjang, stir the stew and cook for another 15-20 minutes. Tsk, I use a small strainer to easily breakdown the doenjang paste.

Lastly add tofu and cook for 5 minutes. Add spring onion and garnish with some chopped chili. Serve hot with rice.

Sweet, savory and spicy too! Few drops of sweat is fun, no? Haha If you want less spicy, remove the seed from the chili or use green chili.

My dad is not a fan of Korean food and the mere mention of dining in Korea restaurant will make him reject our suggestion at once BUT (funnily) he loves this doenjang jjigae with all his heart. Haha

Doenjang Jjigae
Adapted from Maangchi.com
Serves 2

*I’m using a medium size earthenware pot hence the smaller quantity of ingredients compared to Maangchi

1/2 cup medium size potato, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1/2 cup pumpkin, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1/2 cup onion, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1/2 cup king oyster mushroom, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 red chili, chopped
7 dried anchovies, removed the heads and intestines and chopped
1 stalk spring onion, chopped
1 firm or soft tofu/bean curd, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2 1/2 tablespoons doenjang (fermented soybean paste)

Method:
1. Add potato, onion, garlic, pumpkin, mushroom, red chili and dried anchovies in an earthenware pot.

2. Add water just enough to cover the ingredients.

3. When it’s boiling, add 2 1/2 tablespoons of doenjang and stir well. Cook for about 15-20 minutes.

4. Add tofu and cook an additional 5 minutes.

5. Garnish with spring onion and red chilies. Serve with a bowl of rice and banchan.

Happy cooking!