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Korean Doenjang Jjigae, plated and ready to serve

Korean Doenjang Jjigae, Soybean Paste Stew

Doenjang jjigae is earthy, savory and deeply comforting, a stew built on doenjang, Korea's fermented soybean paste. Zucchini, mushrooms and tofu simmer in an anchovy broth until everything is tender and infused with flavor. Daikon stands in for the usual potato, keeping it light and low-carb.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Korean
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 147kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 cups anchovy-kelp broth
  • 3 tablespoons doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
  • 1 teaspoon gochugaru (optional)
  • 4 ounces daikon cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 small onion chopped
  • 1 small zucchini cut into half-moons
  • 4 ounces mushrooms sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 ounces firm tofu cubed
  • 1 green chili sliced
  • 2 scallions sliced

Instructions

  • Bring the broth to a boil in a medium pot. Put the doenjang in a small sieve, lower it into the broth and press it through with a spoon so no lumps remain.
  • Add the daikon and onion and simmer for 8 minutes, until the daikon starts to soften.
  • Add the zucchini, mushrooms, garlic and gochugaru and simmer 5 minutes more.
  • Add the tofu and chili and simmer for 3 minutes until heated through.
  • Scatter with scallions and serve hot.

Notes

Doenjang varies a lot in saltiness from brand to brand, so start with 2 tablespoons and add more to taste. Pressing it through a sieve keeps the broth smooth.
Chef's Tip: Add a handful of clams or a few slices of beef brisket with the daikon for an even richer stew.
Keto Swap: Potato is a classic addition, but daikon gives the same tender bite with a fraction of the carbs. Check the doenjang label; most contain little or no added sugar.
Success Tip: This stew freezes well. Make a double batch and freeze in single portions for quick lunches.
Nutrition is calculated from the ingredients and is an estimate per serving. Net carbs exclude fiber and allulose.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 147kcal | Protein: 15g | Fat: 6g | Fiber: 3.7g
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