Sundubu Jjigae (Korean Soft Tofu Stew) Recipe

Sundubu Jjigae (순두부찌개) is one of the most popular Korean stews, made with silken tofu (sundubu), spicy broth, vegetables, and often seafood or pork. Served bubbling hot in a stone pot, this Korean tofu stew is comforting, spicy, and deeply satisfying.

If you’re looking for an authentic Korean stew recipe, a spicy comfort food, or a healthy tofu dish, sundubu jjigae is a perfect choice.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 1 pack (300g / 10 oz) silken tofu (Korean sundubu preferred)
• 100g (3.5 oz) pork belly (or seafood mix: clams, shrimp, mussels)
• ½ small onion, sliced
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 egg
• 1½ cups anchovy broth (or chicken/vegetable stock)

For the seasoning base:

• 2 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. Make the seasoning base

• In a Korean stone pot (ttukbaegi) or small saucepan, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
• Add garlic, gochugaru, and gochujang. Stir-fry until fragrant.

2. Cook the protein

• Add pork belly (or seafood) and stir until lightly cooked.

3. Add broth and vegetables

• Pour in anchovy broth, then add onion and zucchini.
• Bring to a boil and simmer for 5–7 minutes.

4. Add silken tofu

• Gently add the silken tofu in big chunks (do not over-stir to keep texture).
• Simmer for another 3–4 minutes.

5. Finish with egg & garnish

• Crack an egg on top and let it cook slightly in the bubbling stew.
• Sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.

Serving Tips

• Serve boiling hot with steamed white rice and Korean side dishes (banchan).
• For extra depth of flavor, add a few clams or mussels while cooking.
• Adjust spiciness by reducing or increasing gochugaru.

Variations

• Seafood Sundubu Jjigae: Use clams, shrimp, and squid instead of pork.
• Vegetarian Sundubu Jjigae: Use vegetable broth and add mushrooms for umami.
• Milder Version: Reduce chili flakes and gochujang for a lighter broth.

✨ Pro Tip: The secret to a delicious sundubu jjigae is frying the chili flakes and garlic in sesame oil first. this creates a rich, smoky flavor that makes the stew irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Sundubu Jjigae Recipe

• ✅ Authentic Korean flavor: spicy, savory, and comforting
• ✅ Quick and easy: ready in 20 minutes
• ✅ Nutritious: packed with protein, vegetables, and tofu
• ✅ Customizable: perfect with pork, beef, or seafood

If you’re searching for the best Korean tofu stew recipe to make at home, this sundubu jjigae will warm your body and soul ☺️