JOA Mom
Introduction
Hello everyone, JOA Mom here 👩🍳💛
Did you know that Sundubu Jjigae (Korean Soft Tofu Stew) is becoming one of the most talked-about Korean comfort foods in New York?
In Manhattan’s Koreatown, people often wait in long lines just to enjoy this bubbling, spicy stew at the famous BCD Tofu House.
The version I’m sharing today is inspired by Chef Jung Ho-young’s Sundubu Jjigae featured in the Netflix series Culinary Class Wars.
The secret behind this rich restaurant-style flavor is the Dadaegi (Korean seasoning paste). Instead of relying only on soy sauce or chili flakes, this method uses oyster sauce and tuna extract to build deep umami flavor.
If you’ve ever wanted to recreate authentic restaurant-style Sundubu Jjigae at home, this recipe is a great place to start.
This homemade Sundubu Jjigae brings the warmth of Korean comfort food straight into your kitchen.
Nutrition / Why this combo
What makes this Sundubu Jjigae recipe special is the balance between soft tofu, seafood, and rich Korean seasoning.
Soft tofu provides a silky base, while pork and clams add layers of savory depth.
The highlight is the Chef Jung-style dadaegi, which creates a bold, smoky flavor you usually only find in restaurants.
Sundubu Jjigae is not just about ingredients—it’s about building warmth and depth from simple elements.
| Ingredient | Flavor Role | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Tofu | Creamy Base | Gives the stew its signature silky texture |
| Clams | Seafood Umami | Adds natural depth to the broth |
| Minced Pork | Savory Richness | Makes the broth fuller and heartier |
| Gochugaru | Heat & Color | Creates the classic Korean spice profile |
Cooking Tip
For the best Sundubu Jjigae flavor, keep the heat medium-low when sautéing gochugaru.
If chili flakes burn, the stew can turn bitter instead of rich and smoky.
Slow cooking creates a deep red chili oil base, which is the key to authentic Sundubu Jjigae.
This step is what separates a basic tofu soup from a true restaurant-style Sundubu Jjigae.
Ingredients
🔥 Dadaegi Base
- 5 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1/2 green onion (chopped)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 50 g minced pork belly
🧂 Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp mirin
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract
🍲 Stew Ingredients
- 300 ml water
- 1/2 onion (diced)
- 1/2 zucchini (sliced)
- 1 handful Manila clams
- 1 pack soft tofu (sundubu)
✨ Finishing
- 2 Cheongyang chilis
- black pepper
- sesame oil
- 1 egg
5 Simple Steps
1️⃣ Green Onion Oil
Heat oil and sauté green onion until fragrant.
2️⃣ Pork & Spice Base
Add pork, gochugaru, and garlic. Cook gently over medium-low heat.
3️⃣ Build the Dadaegi
Add mirin, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and tuna extract.
Cook until it forms a thick red paste.
4️⃣ Simmer the Stew
Add water, onion, and zucchini.
Once boiling, add clams and soft tofu.
5️⃣ Finish & Serve
Boil for 5 minutes.
Add sesame oil, pepper, and crack an egg on top.
Serve hot with rice.
JOA Mom’s Experience
Sundubu Jjigae is one of my go-to comfort meals when I need something warm and satisfying.
Sometimes I make it with pork for a richer flavor, and other times I keep it simple with just tofu and egg.
The texture of soft tofu makes Sundubu Jjigae feel light but still deeply comforting.
What I love most is how such simple ingredients can create such a rich and flavorful dish.
Once you try making Sundubu Jjigae at home, it quickly becomes part of your regular meal rotation.
FAQ
Q. Can I make Sundubu Jjigae without gochugaru?
A. Yes, you can skip it for a mild version.
Q. What protein works best?
A. Pork, clams, shrimp, or mushrooms all work well.
Q. Can I use firm tofu?
A. You can, but soft tofu gives the signature texture.
Storage
🧊 Refrigerator
Store up to 3 days.
❄️ Freezer
Not recommended.
🔥 Reheating
Reheat gently on low heat.
Closing
Sundubu Jjigae is one of the most comforting dishes in Korean home cooking.
With its silky tofu, rich broth, and bold flavors, it’s both simple and deeply satisfying.
This dish is incredibly versatile—you can adjust ingredients based on what you have at home.
Whether you prefer seafood, pork, or a lighter version, Sundubu Jjigae always delivers warmth.
It’s the kind of meal that feels especially comforting on busy or tiring days.
The bubbling stew, soft tofu, and spicy broth create a truly cozy experience.
Once you try making Sundubu Jjigae yourself, it becomes a dish you come back to again and again.
It’s not just food—it’s a moment of comfort in a bowl.
If you want a perfect finish, try pairing it with Shanghai Butter Rice Cake.
A warm meal and a small dessert can turn an ordinary day into something special 💛
