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Doenjang jjigae Meal prep

  • Writer: Up and Down Story
    Up and Down Story
  • Feb 5
  • 3 min read


Bubbling pot of doenjang jjigae with tofu and vegetables. Text overlay: "DOENJANG JJIGAE" in bold yellow and orange.



Doenjang Jjigae Meal Prep 🥘


Doenjang jjigae, or soybean paste stew, is a beloved traditional dish in Korea, made with fermented soybean paste, a variety of vegetables, tofu, and sometimes meat. It frequently appears on Korean tables, especially during family gatherings, making it an essential part of shared meals.


This stew is characterized by its deep and rich flavor, where the salty taste of doenjang harmonizes with various ingredients to create a unique taste. Not only is it delicious, but it also boasts high nutritional value, providing a wealth of proteins, vitamins, and minerals.


As a quintessential comfort food, doenjang jjigae transcends being just a meal; it plays a significant role in the daily lives and culture of Koreans. To make it even more convenient, preparing a basic doenjang jjigae meal prep allows for customization with different ingredients, ensuring a variety of flavors. Having this frozen meal prep ready can greatly assist in creating homemade meals that you can enjoy often.


After a long day at work, the thought of cooking may feel overwhelming, even for someone like me with years of cooking experience. I often find that without frozen meal prep, managing a homemade meal becomes a challenge.


With rising food prices, many homemakers look for ways to save on grocery bills. However, it's crucial to remember that nutrition should never be compromised. Finding ways to cut costs while maintaining proper nutrition is essential, and I believe that frozen meal prep is a key solution to achieving that balance.


Recently, when ordering Korean barbecue at restaurants in the US it’s common for side dishes to be included, which has led to an increasing appreciation for Korean cuisine among foreigners. This growing popularity further highlights the significance of dishes like doenjang jjigae in cultural exchange and culinary experiences.



🛒 Ingredients (8 portions, 2 servings per portion)

• 1.5 onions

• 2 zucchinis

• 3 potatoes

• 10 oz mushrooms

• jalapeños

• Doenjang (soybean paste), miso paste (optional)

• Minced garlic

• 1 soup stock cube

• Fish sauce

Soybean paste, fish sauce, and coin broth jars on a light background. Each jar has distinct labels in English and Korean text.


👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe


1. Dice all the vegetables.

2. Blanch the diced potatoes in boiling water for 3-4 minutes. This helps the potatoes retain their texture after freezing.

3. Divide the onion, zucchini, potato, and mushrooms evenly into freezer-safe containers, about ½ cup each. Add the chili peppers.

4. Add 2 tbsp of doenjang and 1 tbsp of miso paste. If you find that the color of the doenjang makes the dish look too dark, adding miso paste can lighten it and enhance the flavor. If the doenjang is flavorful on its own, you can skip the miso paste.

5. Add 1 tsp minced garlic and 1 soup stock cube. Finish by topping with plenty of green onions.

6. When ready to cook, place the frozen kit into a pot, add enough water to cover about two-thirds of the contents, then bring it to a boil. Adjust the seasoning with salt or fish sauce to taste.




📌 Cooking Tips


  • Prepare multiple portions of this basic doenjang jjigae meal prep and customize the flavor each time by adding different toppings. Try ingredients like naengi (shepherd’s purse), ssuk (mugwort), bean sprouts, kimchi, rice cakes, seaweed (miyeok), or tofu.


  • Add fish sauce towards the end of cooking to adjust the seasoning.



This basic meal prep allows you to enjoy a variety of healthy and comforting doenjang jjigae flavors with minimal effort!





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