Sundubu(Soft tofu) jjigae Meal prep

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Eating out in the U.S. can be overwhelming, especially when you factor in tips. Doesn’t it feel like a single meal can cost way too much? But here’s the good news: with meal prep, you can make six servings for the cost of one restaurant meal! Once you try it, you’ll realize, “This isn’t so hard after all!”

Stocking your freezer with multiple servings of one dish saves a ton of money on groceries. Plus, you get to cook with better ingredients, which means healthier meals for your family. It’s a win-win!

If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting option, try making a cozy soft tofu stew, known as sundubu jjigae. This traditional Korean dish is incredibly popular and features soft, fresh tofu cooked with a variety of ingredients. Typically, it includes seafood, meat, and vegetables, all enhanced by spicy gochugaru (red pepper flakes) and a flavorful broth.

The standout characteristic of sundubu jjigae is its silky texture and spicy flavor. The tofu is creamy and melts in your mouth, beautifully blending with the rich broth. The addition of spicy seasonings creates a deep taste, while the combination of various ingredients results in a wonderfully complex flavor profile.

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🛒 Ingredients

[For sautéing] (per serving)

• Sesame oil

• ¼ cup onion, diced

• 1 tbsp green onion, chopped

• ¼ cup ground pork

• ¾ tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tsp Korean red pepper powder (gochugaru)

[To assemble the stew pack]

• Sautéed ingredients

• Zucchini, sliced

• Mushrooms, sliced

• Red and green chili peppers, sliced

• Clams or shellfish

• Minced garlic

• Frozen broth cubes

Finding fresh clams can be a challenge in some areas of the U.S., but this recipe offers a delightful solution by using pre-cooked, frozen clams. These clams are not only convenient but also full of flavor, making your cooking experience easier and just as delicious.

• Meal prep containers 16oz https://a.co/d/iRlgRjF

• Sesame oil https://a.co/d/aM1paxG

• Soy sauce https://a.co/d/cL95fcn

• Red pepper powder https://a.co/d/7SuBX7K

• Coin Broth https://a.co/d/0nrUewS

• Korean clay pot 뚝배기 https://amzn.to/40SLYGg

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👩🏻‍🍳 Instructions

1. Begin by dicing the onion and chopping the green onion into small pieces.

2. In a pot, heat some sesame oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, chopped green onion, ground pork, and soy sauce. Sauté until everything is fragrant and fully cooked through.

3. After cooking, turn off the heat and mix in the Korean red pepper powder. This step will create a rich chili oil. For an extra touch of flavor, you can optionally add a dash of bouillon to achieve that restaurant-style taste.

4. Carefully transfer the sautéed mixture into a freezer-safe container. Then, add the zucchini, mushrooms, chili peppers, clams, and frozen broth cubes for added depth.

5. When you're ready to enjoy your dish, place the contents into a pot and add enough water to cover about half of the ingredients. Bring it to a boil, then gently add the soft tofu and let it simmer. For a hearty finish, crack an egg into the pot just before serving. Enjoy every comforting bite!

📌 **Cooking Tips**

• When sautéing with sesame oil, keep the heat at medium to prevent burning, as it has a low smoke point and can release harmful compounds if overheated.

• Incorporate the red pepper powder off the heat to prevent it from burning. Don’t worry, it will still create a delicious chili oil (a great tip from Chef Baek Jong Won).

• If you don’t have Korean soy sauce on hand, fish sauce can be a suitable substitute.

• Adjust the seasoning at the end using a blend of salt and fish sauce. Relying solely on salt can make the flavor too sharp, while fish sauce alone can be overpowering. Combining soy sauce, salt, and fish sauce will give you the perfect balance of flavors.

Give this meal prep a try—you’ll save money, eat healthier, and enjoy the convenience of a freezer full of delicious homemade meals! 😊