When it comes to representative Korean cuisine, you cannot miss Doenjang Jjigae, a traditional Korean dish. I think it is normal to inevitably taste soybean paste stew after living in Korea for a long time. But aren't you curious about why soybean paste stew occupies such an important place in Korean cuisine and why foreigners enjoy it?
It is Korea's traditional national stew made with soybean paste as the main ingredient, and is known as a symbol of Korean food with preference for kimchi stew and two tops. In some parts of Chungcheong-do, it is called Jang for short, but a slightly diluted soup for soup is called Doenjangguk or Tojangguk. In fact, it is explained that the difference between soybean paste soup and soybean paste stew is thin or thick, successful or unsuccessful, but there is no essential difference.
In addition to tofu, zucchini, green onion, leek, onion, Chinese cabbage, horseradish, mallow, spinach, dried radish, and wild chives are used as main ingredients, followed by potatoes, red peppers, enoki mushrooms, and bean sprouts. In some cases, beef is added to add a rich taste, or seafood such as crabs, clams, clams, snails, etc. is added to emphasize the refreshing taste of the broth. In addition, red pepper paste is added to make it spicy. In other words, because it is a total food that can be digested with almost any side dish, soybean paste stew is a dish with different recipes and flavors in each house and restaurant.
(Source: Namu Wiki Reference and Arrangement)
Source: Seafood Soybean Paste Stew: Sookdal Pig (sukdal.com)
There are many reasons why Koreans love soybean paste stew.
First of all, soybean paste stew is one of the traditional foods that has been eaten in Korea for a very long time, and many Koreans have eaten it often since childhood, so it feels familiar.
In addition, doenjang stew is a very healthy and nutritious food that contains various nutrients such as high protein, low fat, high fiber, and minerals. In addition, doenjang itself has many beneficial microorganisms, so it is good for intestinal health.
Lastly, soybean paste stew can be cooked with a wide variety of ingredients, so you can vary it to suit your taste. There are a variety of ingredients used in soybean paste stew, and compared to other foods cooked with red pepper paste or soy sauce, it is relatively less salty and has a softer taste. great.
Therefore, it is thought that the reason why Koreans like soybean paste stew is not only because of its taste, but also because of a combination of interest in health and rich ingredients.
Source: Beef Doenjang Jjigae That Makes You Miss Your Grandma - YouTube
Many foreigners also like soybean paste stew. In particular, foreigners who have lived in Korea have a high understanding and interest in Korean food, so they often like soybean paste stew.
However, some people are not familiar with the unique aroma and taste of soybean paste, so if you try it for the first time, it may be a bit unfamiliar to you. Also, those who are not accustomed to spicy food may need to adjust, such as reducing the red pepper paste a little.
However, with its popularity growing worldwide as a healthy and delicious Korean food, many foreigners are now enjoying soybean paste stew. In addition, recently, there have been various broadcast programs and videos introducing soybean paste stew at home and abroad, and more foreigners seem to be enjoying and interested in Korean food.
Source: Soybean paste stew boiled in Italy... This is so precious - YouTube
Soybean paste stew, which not only Koreans but also foreigners enjoy, why don't you try it right now? In particular, I think that I must recommend to my friends living in Korea to taste Doenjang Jjigae, a traditional Korean dish in Korea.
