Dive into a world of comforting flavors with this irresistible Pork Belly Soft Tofu Stew, a classic Korean dish brimming with rich textures and savory goodness. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly swimming in a deeply flavorful broth, perfectly complemented by the silken smoothness of soft tofu and a medley of vibrant vegetables. This hearty stew is the epitome of Korean comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion. The savory broth is surprisingly easy to make, balancing spicy, umami, and subtly sweet notes that will tantalize your taste buds.
This recipe offers a simplified approach to this beloved dish, making it achievable even for novice cooks. We'll guide you through each step, ensuring a delicious result every time. Ready to experience the magic of this Korean culinary gem? Let's get started with the simple, step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Pot
Ingredients
- Pork belly
- Edible oil: 1 spoonful
- Green onions
- Red pepper powder
- Soy sauce
- Minced garlic
- Bone broth: 1 cup
- Water: 1 cup
- Oyster sauce
- Salt
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Enoki mushrooms
- Onions
- Soft tofu
- Potatoes (optional)
- Dumplings (optional)
- Cheongyang peppers
- Eggs
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Sauté Pork Belly and Aromatics
- Put one spoonful of edible oil into the pot.
- Add pork belly and stir-fry until golden brown. Set aside.
- Fry the pork belly with oil, green onions, and red pepper powder (reduce heat to low to prevent burning).
- Stir-fry with soy sauce and minced garlic.
Step 2. Create the Broth and Add Vegetables
- Pour in one cup each of bone broth and water. Season with oyster sauce and salt.
- Add shiitake mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, onions, and soft tofu. Boil vigorously.
Step 3. Simmer and Finish
- Add the previously set aside pork belly.
- Add Cheongyang peppers and eggs.
Read more: Instant Pot Chinese Beef Brisket Stew (蘿蔔燜牛腩) - Easy Recipe
Tips
- If it doesn't taste good, just throw away the video (and the stew!).
- This stew is even more delicious than making the ingredients individually.
- Substituting soft tofu with potatoes makes it a potato stew; adding dumplings and mushrooms makes it a spicy dumpling hotpot.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-800
- Fat: 40-60g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pork?
While pork belly is ideal for its rich flavor and fat content, you can substitute with pork shoulder or even boneless pork loin. Just be aware that leaner cuts will result in a less rich broth.
2. What if I don't have all the vegetables listed?
Feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking! Substitute with similar vegetables you have on hand. Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach would all be great additions.
3. Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! This stew tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
This simple yet flavorful Pork Belly Soft Tofu Stew is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy night in or a comforting family meal. Enjoy the satisfying warmth and delicious taste of this authentic Korean dish. Now go forth and create your own culinary masterpiece!