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Healthy vegan tofu stew with rice and vegetables

Hearty Korean fermented soybean paste stew

Doenjang Jjigae

Doenjang Jjigae

30 minEasy

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

20 min

Total Time

30 min

Servings

2

2 servings

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Budget

$

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Doenjang Jjigae

Hearty Korean fermented soybean paste stew

A robust, deeply savory stew built on fermented soybean paste with tofu, zucchini, and anchovy broth. Doenjang jjigae is everyday Korean soul food, as essential as kimchi on the dinner table.

10m

Prep Time

20m

Cook Time

30m

Total Time

2

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Budget $

Cost

Korean CuisineMain CourseSoup & StewDairy-Free
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

October 18, 2024(Updated April 13, 2026)

If kimchi jjigae is fiery and bold, doenjang jjigae is its earthy, comforting counterpart. The fermented soybean paste creates a broth with remarkable umami depth that only improves as it simmers.

Why This Recipe Works

Using anchovy-kelp broth amplifies the umami of the doenjang paste. Adding the vegetables in stages ensures each cooks to its ideal texture.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste)
  • 1/2 block firm tofu, cubed
  • 1 small zucchini, sliced
  • 1 small potato, cubed
  • 2 cups anchovy-kelp broth
  • 1 Korean green chili, sliced

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring anchovy-kelp broth to a boil in a stone pot or saucepan.

  2. 2

    Dissolve doenjang paste into the broth, stirring to break up lumps.

  3. 3

    Add potatoes and cook for 5 minutes. Add tofu and zucchini.

  4. 4

    Simmer for 10 minutes until potatoes are tender and flavors meld.

  5. 5

    Add sliced green chili, a minced garlic clove, and simmer 2 more minutes. Serve bubbling hot with rice.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice

  • Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi

  • Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor

Substitutions

DoenjangWhite miso paste

Milder but similar fermented soybean flavor

Anchovy-kelp brothVegetable broth + pinch of MSG

Vegan alternative with good umami

DepthPantry

Test Kitchen Pick

Miso

Helpful Pantry Staple

Why the miso matters

Miso gives this recipe layered saltiness and a little sweetness that is hard to replace cleanly with a generic substitute.

This is the kind of pantry staple that changes depth more than volume.

  • Adds savory depth without more work
  • Useful in soups, dressings, and marinades

A tub of miso tends to earn its keep quickly once it is in the fridge.

Shop miso for this recipe

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Use a Korean stone pot (ttukbaegi) if possible; it keeps the stew bubbling at the table.

  • Do not boil too vigorously or the doenjang flavor becomes harsh.

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Flavors deepen overnight.

Reheating

Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (0mg) · 2 servings

Calories180
LowModerateHigh

A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein12g
Carbohydrates6g
Fat22g
Fiber680mg
Sugar3g
Sodium4g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Doenjang vs miso?
Both are fermented soybean pastes, but doenjang is chunkier and more pungent. Miso can substitute in a pinch.
What is anchovy-kelp broth?
Simmer dried anchovies and a piece of kelp in water for 15 minutes. Strain and use.

Explore More

More Korean RecipesMore Main CourseMore Soup & StewDairy-Free RecipesStovetop Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

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