Korean-Style Spicy Tofu Stew with Soft Silken Tofu and Mushrooms

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

A warming stew featuring soft silken tofu, shiitake mushrooms, and a spicy broth enriched with gochugaru and fermented soybean paste for deep umami flavor. This korean (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs soft silken tofu, dried shiitake mushrooms, vegetable broth 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 1 oz dried shiitake mushrooms in 1 cup warm water for 20 minutes until softened, then slice thinly and reserve soaking liquid.
  2. Step 2: In a medium pot, heat 1 tsp sesame oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp gochugaru and 1 tbsp doenjang to the pot, stirring constantly for 1 minute to release aromas.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth plus 1/2 cup reserved mushroom soaking liquid, then add sliced shiitake mushrooms. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Step 5: Carefully cut 14 oz block of soft silken tofu into 1-inch cubes and gently add to the stew. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 tbsp soy sauce and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Step 7: Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with 2 chopped green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Korean-Style Spicy Tofu Stew with Soft Silken Tofu and Mushrooms take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 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-Style Spicy Tofu Stew with Soft Silken Tofu and Mushrooms?

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-Style Spicy Tofu Stew with Soft Silken Tofu and Mushrooms?

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-Style Spicy Tofu Stew with Soft Silken Tofu and Mushrooms 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.

Is Korean-Style Spicy Tofu Stew with Soft Silken Tofu and Mushrooms vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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