Fiery Korean Spicy Tofu Stew (Sundubu Jjigae)

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-08 · Updated 2026-07-08

A warming Korean soft tofu stew simmered with gochugaru and gochujang for a deep, hot flavor, enriched with seafood and vegetables. This Korean-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs soft tofu (silken), vegetable oil, gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 14 oz, cut into 1-inch cubes soft tofu (silken)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 1 small, thinly sliced onion
• 1/2 medium, sliced into half-moons zucchini
• 2 cups (or substitute vegetable broth) dried anchovies broth
• 6 oz, peeled and deveined small shrimp
• 1 whole egg
• 2, thinly sliced green onions
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• to taste salt

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 small thinly sliced onion, 1 tbsp gochugaru, and 1 tbsp gochujang; sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and the paste darkens slightly.
2. Step 2: Pour in 2 cups dried anchovy broth (or vegetable broth) and bring to a boil.
3. Step 3: Add 1/2 sliced zucchini and 6 oz peeled shrimp; simmer for 3 minutes until shrimp are pink.
4. Step 4: Gently add 14 oz soft tofu cubes by spooning them in carefully; simmer gently for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
5. Step 5: Season with 1 tbsp soy sauce and salt to taste; drizzle 1 tsp toasted sesame oil.
6. Step 6: Crack 1 whole egg into the stew and cover the pot; cook for 2 minutes until the egg white sets but yolk remains runny.
7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions and serve immediately with steamed rice.