Best Ever Soon Du Bu – Spicy, Savory Korean Soft Tofu Stew You’ll Love

Discover our Best Ever Soon Du Bu recipe – a spicy, savory Korean soft tofu stew with authentic flavor. This comforting dish is made with silky tofu, fresh vegetables, and a bold blend of Korean spices, which is perfect for warming up on chilly days. Easy to prepare and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a must-try for anyone craving genuine Korean cuisine!

Ingredients:

• Protein & Tofu:
  • 200g pork belly, thinly sliced (or your choice of protein like shrimp or omit for a vegetarian version)
  • 1 package (about 400g) soft tofu (sundubu), gently scooped out
• Vegetables & Aromatics:
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small zucchini, sliced into half-moons (optional)
  • 1 Korean red chili pepper, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Seasonings & Sauces:
  • 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (plus extra for drizzling)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Broth & Extras:
  • 1 cup anchovy broth, chicken broth, or water
  • 1 egg (optional, for extra richness)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Base:
   • In a medium-sized Korean stone pot (ttukbaegi) or a deep, heavy-bottomed pot, heat a drizzle of sesame oil over medium heat.
   • Add the pork belly slices and sauté until they start to brown and crisp up slightly. (If using a vegetarian version, skip this step or substitute with your choice of mushrooms.)
2. Build the Flavor:
   • Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced Korean red chili pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes until the onions soften and the garlic is fragrant.
   • Stir in the gochugaru and gochujang, and let them cook with the aromatics for another minute to release their flavors.
3. Simmer the Stew:
   • Pour in the broth and soy sauce, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
   • Gently add the soft tofu by scooping it into large chunks with a spoon—try not to break it up too much.
   • If using zucchini, add it now. Allow the stew to simmer for about 8–10 minutes so that all the flavors meld together.
4. Finish with an Egg (Optional):
   • For extra richness, crack an egg directly into the simmering stew. Cover the pot lightly and let the egg poach in the hot broth for about 2–3 minutes, until the white is set but the yolk remains runny.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
   • Garnish with chopped green onions and a final drizzle of sesame oil.
   • Serve piping hot with steamed rice on the side.

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