Gelatin Free Gluten Free Doenjang Jjigae
This deeply savory Korean fermented soybean stew is the kind of bowl that warms you from the inside out ā rich, funky, and loaded with tender zucchini, silky tofu, and earthy shiitake mushrooms. The broth starts with dried kelp and anchovies simmered together, building a naturally complex, umami-packed base that no store-bought shortcut can replicate. Because every component here is a whole, recognizable ingredient, there's no need to stress about hidden additives or thickeners that sometimes sneak into packaged soups and broths. The doenjang is dissolved gradually right into the simmering liquid, which gives the stew that signature depth without any clumping or guesswork. Tamari steps in for a clean hit of saltiness, and gochugaru brings just enough heat to make each spoonful feel alive. Served straight from the pot over a bowl of short-grain rice, this is weeknight comfort food that happens to be completely free of gelatin-derived ingredients ā no compromises, just bold, honest flavor.
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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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