Korean Soft Tofu Stew with Pork and Kimchi

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty and warming Korean stew combining silky soft tofu, spicy kimchi, and tender pork in a flavorful broth. This korean-inspired super bowl ready in about 35 minutes pairs soft silken tofu, pork belly, kimchi for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 6 oz thinly sliced pork belly and cook for 4-5 minutes until beginning to brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 cup chopped kimchi, cooking for 3 minutes until fragrant and kimchi softens.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp gochugaru and 1 tbsp soy sauce, mixing well to coat ingredients.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups water and bring to a simmer. Gently add 14 oz soft silken tofu by spooning it in large chunks, being careful not to break it too much.
  5. Step 5: Simmer the stew for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and tofu to heat through.
  6. Step 6: Crack 1 large egg into the stew and cover the pot for 2 minutes until the egg is softly poached.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and serve hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Korean Soft Tofu Stew with Pork and Kimchi 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 Soft Tofu Stew with Pork and Kimchi?

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 soft silken tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Korean Soft Tofu Stew with Pork and Kimchi?

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 Soft Tofu Stew with Pork and Kimchi for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Soft Tofu Stew with Pork and Kimchi?

Korean super bowl 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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