Soondubu is one of the most beloved dishes in Korean cuisine. It features soft tofu simmered in a rich, spicy broth, offering both comfort and bold flavor.
Originally enjoyed during the cold winter months to warm the body, soondubu is now a year-round favorite for many. The dish is especially loved for its perfect balance between the silky texture of the tofu and the heat of the soup.
Once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 1/2 block of silken tofu
- Beef innards 150g
- 6 clams
- 1/2 onion
- 1/2 green onion
- Shimeji mushrooms (optional)
- Japchae (optional)
- 1 teaspoon powdered scallop stock
- Spring onions for topping (optional)
- Dashida 1 piece
- 500ml water
- 1 tablespoon salad oil
seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon gochujang
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
How to make it
1. Preparation
Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces, and clean the clams thoroughly to remove any sand.
Thinly slice the onion and leek, and separate the shimeji mushrooms into individual stems.
2. Stir-fry
Heat the salad oil over low heat and add the garlic, allowing its aroma to infuse the oil.
Next, add the onion and leek, and sauté slowly until they become lightly browned. This step is essential for bringing out the rich flavor of soondubu.
Once the onions have softened, add the shimeji mushrooms and stir-fry briefly.
3. Making soup
Add water, powdered scallop stock, dashida, offal, and clams to the sautéed ingredients, and bring to a simmer.
4. Finishing touches
Gently add the tofu and seasonings to the simmering soup, and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
Finish by sprinkling chopped green onions on top for a nice presentation.
Tips & Variations
The key to making delicious sundubu is to gently infuse the oil with the aroma of garlic and sauté it thoroughly. This enhances the natural sweetness of the onions and leeks, adding depth to the entire soup.
One of the best things about sundubu is its flexibility — you can easily adjust the level of spiciness and switch up the ingredients. Try substituting chicken or kimchi for the offal or clams, or make a seafood version using a frozen seafood mix.
Summary
Sundubu is easy to prepare and offers excellent nutritional balance. The rich combination of garlic, chili heat, and silky tofu makes it a comforting yet luxurious dish you can enjoy right at home.
Give it a try and enjoy the warmth and flavor of authentic Korean comfort food!
