Express Tofu Jjigae
Craving something warm and savory? This hearty tofu stew is a fast, cozy win for a busy weeknight.
When you are exhausted but craving a deep, soul-warming bowl of comfort, this Tofu Jjigae is your best friend. It captures all those classic earthy notes of Korean stew—the slight heat from the gochugaru and the savory depth of garlic—without requiring hours over a hot stove. We use tofu as the star to keep things light yet satisfyingly filling. The secret to its speed is using a base of broth that packs a punch, ensuring you don't have to simmer it forever to get that rich flavor. Imagine sitting down with a steaming bowl while the savory aroma of fermented flavors fills your kitchen; it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s fast, incredibly satisfying, and requires very little cleanup for a tired human.
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu — pressed and cubed
- 3 cup vegetable broth — low sodium preferred
- 2 tbsp gochugaru — Korean red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp ginger — freshly grated
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cup spinach — roughly chopped
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms — sliced
- 0.5 cup green onions — sliced
Method
- 1 In a medium pot or heavy-bottomed dutch oven, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
- 2 Add the garlic, ginger, and gochugaru. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant; be careful not to burn the chili flakes.
- 3 Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- 4 Pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and the cubed tofu.
- 5 Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8-10 minutes.
- 6 Stir in the spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
- 7 Top with green onions and serve immediately in large bowls.
Variations
- Veggie Boost — Add sliced zucchini or carrots during step 3 for extra texture and nutrients.
- Extra Spicy — Increase the gochugaru to 3 tbsp if you want a real kick of heat.
Notes
If you want even more depth, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the heat from the chili flakes.
Equipment that helps
- Large Pot — Allows for easy simmering and easy cleanup since everything happens in one vessel.
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