Hip Foodie Mom

Authentic, Spicy Korean Soft Tofu Soup (Soondubu Jjigae)

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Korean Soft Tofu Soup (Soondubu Jjigae).  Nothing warms my heart (and stomach) as Korean soft tofu soup or soondubu jjigae. 

Korean Soft tofu soup soondubu jjigae main_HipfoodieMom.com

Isn’t it so true that we miss things more once they are gone? I feel like this can be applied to both people and things or, in this case, food.

Many of you know I used to live in Los Angeles. I lived there for over 11 years. In 2001, when my brother and I moved there, we immediately became enamored with the weather, beaches and . .  K-town (Korea town).  We shared an apartment within walking distance to Manhattan Beach, where my brother learned how to surf and I was able to pick up running again. Nothing like running along the beach next to the water. Perfect and freeing. I loved it.

And Korea town. Oh K-town. Not only were we taken with the food, like seriously delicious Korean food on every corner (actually more like 10 awesome Korean restaurants lined up next to each other on every block) but there was the K-town Galleria which had an awesome food court (think: the food court in the mall but only Korean food) and then there was the nightlife. The clubs, yo.

Don’t even ask me how the clubs work now (insert “bookings” here. my Korean homies will know what this means). I have no idea. But we did frequent them (or I tagged along with my older brother and his friends) quite a bit after we moved to LA. After the shiny, newness of it all wore off, we still went to K-town for food (obviously) and patbingsu and anytime we had out-of-town guests or family in town.

I love that we were always minutes away from any kind of Korean food we were craving. Did we go there all the time? No. But it was comforting to know we could if we wanted to. And even after I got married and moved to the valley, about 20-25 miles north of LA. It was still comforting to know we had a Korean market close by and our go-to Korean restaurant for dduk bo ssam, Shik Do Rak. Freaking loved this place. And it was the only good Korean place close to us.

And if we ever wanted Koreasn soft tofu soup (Soondubu Jjigae), we would make the trek to K-town and hit up So Kong Dong or BCD Tofu House (which is like everywhere in LA). Now that we live here in WA, good Korean food, or so I’m told, is either in Lynnwood or Federal Way, both are about 40-50+ minutes away. So, I’m making it at home yo.

If you like Korean food, you’ve probably had this soup before. I love it so much because of the tofu and veggies and it’s just so comforting. There’s something about spicy, hot Korean soft tofu soup (soondubu jjigae) that just makes me feel better and literally warms my body and heart.  My husband is so thrilled now because I am cooking more Korean food at home. I love it too. .  I’m learning and our girls are getting exposed to more Korean food everyday. My 5 year old, Phoebe, actually ate this too- which shocked the hell out of me. But I made a spicy and non-spicy version in hopes that she would at least try it. She ate the entire bowl. Again, warm heart for me.

Korean Soft tofu soup soondubu jjigae aerial_HipfoodieMom.com

There are a few ways to make the soup base/stock for Korean soft tofu soup (soondubu jjigae). Many people use dried anchovies and dried kelp to create the soup. After talking with my mom and brainstorming a little, my mom and I came up with this.  I hope you enjoy. And no dismembering of dried anchovies is involved. Don’t get me wrong. This creates an awesome soup stock too!

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5 from 1 vote

Soft Tofu Soup (Soondubu Jjigae)

For a non-spicy version, just omit the gochugaru.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: Korean
Servings: 4
Author: Hip Foodie Mom

Ingredients

  • 1-2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 cup of pork pork shoulder or pork loin (whatever you have, thinly sliced
  • salt and pepper
  • 2-3 cloves garlic finely chopped or minced
  • 1/2 onion sliced
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups ripe kimchi chopped (with kimchi juice)
  • 1-2 tablespoons red pepper powder gochugaru; optional. Use this if you want your soup spicy.
  • 1 cup vegetable mushroom or beef stock
  • 1-2 cups water
  • 2-3 packages soft tofu; depending on how much tofu you want
  • 2 medium sized zucchini chopped and cut in half
  • 1 cup fresh cremini baby portobello or shiitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 -3 scallions sliced + more for garnish; diced
  • 2-3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; to taste

Instructions

  • In a soup pot, over high heat, add the sesame oil. After a few minutes so the pot can get hot, add the pork, season with salt and pepper and stir-fry until all sides are browned. Add the garlic, onion, kimchi and gochugaru (if using). Mix well and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
  • Add the vegetable or beef stock and water to the pot. You want to add enough liquid to cover your pork and then some. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.
  • Add the soft tofu, zucchini, mushrooms and scallions and turn the heat up to medium-high; season with the soy sauce. Taste and add more soy sauce if needed. Cook for another 8-10 minutes. Serve and garnish with more diced scallions if desired.

For a more traditional way of making Korean soft tofu soup (soondubu jjigae), check out Maangchi’s post.

Korean Soft tofu soup soondubu jjigae

Sunday Supper

Today, we are bringing all kinds of soup to the table! I don’t know about you but I always love having soup recipes on hand.  Check out all of these amazing soups from our Sunday Supper Family:

 

Do The Chicken Dance (chicken {or other poultry} soups)

 

Where’s The Beef (Beef Soups)

 

Pass The Pork. Please (Pork or Sausage Soups)

 

Under The Sea (Seafood Soups)

 

Eat Your Veggies (Chock Full o’ Vegetables Soups)

 

Some Don’t Like It Hot (Chilled Soups)

 

Once you have seen all of the recipes for the day, you won’t want to miss our  #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. This week we will be sharing out special soup recipes! Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun.

 

Follow the#SundaySupper hash tag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Don’t forget to check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos. Join us Around the Family Table this Sunday at 7pm Eastern Time and share your favorite soup, stew, chowder or bisque recipes with us!

 

 

 

 

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