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Up close of a stone bowl of spicy Korean tofu soup surrounded by table settings.
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Korean Spicy Soft Tofu Soup (Soondubu Jjigae)

This Korean spicy soft tofu soup is made with silken soft tofu that swims in a bowl filled with sizzling hot and spicy Korean soup broth. This less than 30 minute Korean tofu soup is as deliciously addicting as it is comforting!
Course Lunch & Dinner Recipes
Cuisine Korean
Keyword korean tofu soup, korean tofu stew, soft tofu soup, soft tofu stew, soondubu jjigae, spicy tofu soup, sundubu jjigae, tofu soup
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 2 People
Calories 330kcal
Author takestwoeggs

Equipment

Ingredients

(Optional) Anchovy Stock

  • 11 (30 g) medium to large dried anchovies
  • 5-6 squares (10 g) Dashima (dried kelp) cut into 2x3 inch squares
  • 7 cup water

Tofu Soup Base

  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
  • ¼ yellow onion diced
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic about 3 cloves
  • 2 tablespoon Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
  • 1 ½ cup Anchovy stock or chicken stock, or vegetable broth
  • ½ tablespoon fish sauce
  • ½ tablespoon Korean soy sauce for soup
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt to taste
  • teaspoon sugar to taste

Toppings

  • 1 pack (12oz) Korean soondubu silken tofu
  • ½ cup mushrooms enoki or sliced shiitake
  • 8 oz protein of choice banana prawns, chicken, beef, pork belly, little neck clams, frozen dumplings
  • 1-2 large eggs
  • 1-2 green onion stalks minced

Instructions

(Optional) Anchovy Stock

  • Prepare the dried anchovies. Remove the large anchovy guts by opening the belly and scraping them out, but leave the heads on. The guts tend to make the broth bitter, especially with the larger anchovies.
  • Prepare the and dried kelp (dashima). Gently wipe the dried kelp with a lightly dampened cloth to remove any sand or grit. Make sure to keep the white powder (mannitol) on for added flavor.
  • Boil and simmer. In a small sauce pan, add the water, dried anchovies and dried kelp. Bring it to a gentle boil, uncovered. Reduce the heat to medium high, and boil for 10 minutes. Then remove the kelp and simmer the anchovies for an additional 10 minutes on low heat. Using a cheesecloth, strain the liquid to remove anchovies and any remaining particles. Set aside.

Spicy Soft Tofu Soup

  • Heat a medium pot or earthenware pot (ttukbaegi) over medium high heat. Add the oil or vegetable oil, onions, and garlic. Stir fry until onions are transluscent and garlic is lightly browned, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes). Stir to combine about 1 minute.
  • Add the protein and stir quickly to coat them with the chili flakes. Next, the fish sauce and soy sauce and mix until combined.
  • Add the anchovy stock or chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil about 3 minutes.
  • Then, add the soft tofu, mushrooms and egg and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Taste and season with salt and sugar, if required.
  • Lastly, top with sesame oil and garnish with green onions. Serve with rice and Korean side dishes. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For an authentic tofu soup, make the anchovy stock from scratch. You can find dried anchovies and dried kelp (dashima) at your local Korean grocery store (i.e. Hmart or Zion)
  • Use earthenware bowls. Using earthenware bowls allows you to cook individual portions, customize your soup based on your preference, and it keeps the soup nice and hot as you eat your meal.
  • Customize your soup! If you want your soup to be spicier, add more Gochugaru or Korean red pepper flakes. You can add more vegetables or protein as you please.
Storage Instructions
You can store this Korean spicy tofu soup in the refrigerator in an airtight soup container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
You can store the anchovy stock in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 330kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 152mg | Sodium: 1482mg | Potassium: 703mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2552IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 4mg