How to Make the Perfect Spicy Korean Tofu Stew

Korean · Medium · 40 minutes min · 4 servings

vegetariangluten-free

A robust and spicy Korean stew featuring velvety tofu, vibrant vegetables, and a rich gochujang broth. Perfect for warming comfort.

Why this recipe works

This Spicy Korean Tofu Stew recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 18g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.

What you will need

This recipe uses 17 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:

1 block firm tofu
1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup zucchini, diced
1 cup kale, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup water
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 green onions sliced for garnish
1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish

Step by step instructions

Step 1: Prepare the tofu

Press the tofu for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into cubes.

Step 2: Sauté the vegetables

In a pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and ginger, cooking until fragrant.

Step 3: Add mushrooms and zucchini

Stir in the shiitake mushrooms and zucchini, cooking for another 5 minutes until softened.

Step 4: Make the broth

Add vegetable broth, water, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Add tofu and kale

Gently add the tofu and kale to the pot, simmering for 10 minutes to heat through.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Easy substitutions

Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:

firm tofu → tempeh
shiitake mushrooms → button mushrooms
gochujang → red pepper flakes mixed with miso

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:

Not pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture.
Overcooking the vegetables, making them too soft.
Using too much gochujang, which can overwhelm the stew.

Nutrition facts

Per serving: 320 calories, 18g protein, 30g carbs, 16g fat, 5g fiber.

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