Barley Free Gluten Free Doenjang Jjigae
Doenjang jjigae is one of those deeply comforting Korean stews that tastes like it took all day, even though it comes together in under half an hour. The broth starts with dried kelp and anchovies simmered together, building a naturally savory, umami-rich base that makes everything else shine. Silky tofu, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and tender zucchini all soak up that fermented soybean paste in the best possible way, with gochugaru and fresh garlic adding just the right amount of heat and punch. The key to keeping this version grain-safe is sourcing a certified gluten free doenjang ā traditional soybean paste can sometimes contain wheat or barley as a fermentation aid, so checking the label matters here. Tamari steps in where regular soy sauce would normally be used, keeping the salty depth without any hidden grains. Ladled over a bowl of short-grain rice, this stew is warming, bold, and completely satisfying ā the kind of weeknight meal that earns a permanent spot in your rotation.
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Learn more āIngredients
4 servings
For the broth
- 6 cups water
- 1 piece dried kelp (dashima/kombu), about 4 inches
- Ā½ cup dried anchovies (large, heads and guts removed)
For the stew
- 3 tbsp gluten free doenjang (korean soybean paste)
- 1 tsp tamari
- 1 tsp gochugaru (korean red pepper flakes)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, cut into Ā½-inch half-moons
- 4 oz shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps sliced
- 14 oz firm tofu, cut into Ā¾-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, cut into Ā½-inch chunks
- 2 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 fresh korean green chili or serrano pepper, sliced (optional)
For serving
- cooked short-grain white rice, for serving
Instructions
- 1
Combine the water, dried kelp, and dried anchovies in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes, until the broth is lightly golden and fragrant.
- 2
Remove the kelp and anchovies with a fine-mesh strainer or tongs and discard them. You should have about 5 cups of clear broth.
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