Korean-Inspired Spicy North Bean Paste Stew (Doenjang Jjigae)
A hearty and warming Korean stew loaded with tofu, vegetables, and a spicy fermented soybean paste base, perfect for a comforting northern-inspired meal. This korean-inspired soups ready in about 35 minutes pairs water, gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 4 cups water
- 3 tbsp doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste)
- 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, sliced onion
- 1 medium, diced zucchini
- 6 oz, sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 8 oz, cubed firm tofu
- 2 stalks, chopped green onions
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium pot, bring 4 cups water to a boil over high heat.
- Step 2: Whisk in 3 tbsp doenjang and 1 tbsp gochugaru until fully dissolved to form the stew base.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 sliced medium onion; simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 diced medium zucchini and 6 oz sliced shiitake mushrooms; cook for 7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Step 5: Gently add 8 oz cubed firm tofu and simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
- Step 6: Season with salt and black pepper to taste and drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the stew.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 chopped green onions before serving hot with steamed rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Korean-Inspired Spicy North Bean Paste Stew (Doenjang Jjigae) take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Korean-Inspired Spicy North Bean Paste Stew (Doenjang Jjigae)?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep water from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Korean-Inspired Spicy North Bean Paste Stew (Doenjang Jjigae)?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Korean-Inspired Spicy North Bean Paste Stew (Doenjang Jjigae) for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Korean-Inspired Spicy North Bean Paste Stew (Doenjang Jjigae)?
Korean soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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