: Chef Lim Sung-geun's Comforting Recipe){kind=link}
Many people assume that healthy eating means giving up warm, comforting soups. But in Korea, that's not always the case.
While spicy Sundubu-jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew) is well known around the world, Koreans also enjoy a lighter version made with a clear broth. Instead of relying on chili paste or spicy seasoning, this recipe brings out the natural flavors of tofu, vegetables, and a small amount of meat.
This clear soft tofu stew was introduced by Chef Lim Sung-geun, who appeared on Culinary Class Wars Season 2. It's a simple Korean home-style recipe that's comforting, high in protein, and easy enough to prepare on a busy weeknight.
If you're looking for a Korean diet-friendly soup that feels nourishing rather than restrictive, this recipe is a wonderful place to start.
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| Clear Soft Tofu Stew by Chef Lim Sung-geun |
Table of Contents
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Nutrition Facts
- Why This Fits a Korean Diet Lifestyle
- Low-Carb Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Korean Diet Recipes
- Conclusion
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Inspired by a Korean chef featured on Culinary Class Wars Season 2
- High in protein and naturally satisfying
- Light yet deeply flavorful
- Packed with vegetables and soft tofu
- Comforting without being overly heavy
- Easy to customize with beef or pork
- Perfect for chilly evenings or healthy weeknight dinners
Unlike the spicy Korean soft tofu stew many people know, this clear version lets each ingredient shine. The result is a clean, comforting broth that's surprisingly rich in umami.
Ingredients
Serves 2
- 2 cups water
- 1 package (about 300g / 10.5 oz) soft tofu
- 1/4 zucchini, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/2 green onion, sliced
- 50g (1.8 oz) beef or pork, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons salted shrimp or Korean anchovy fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons tuna extract (Chamchi Aek)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil or perilla oil
- 2 pinches black pepper
- 1 egg
- 3 Cheongyang chili peppers, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Finely chop the beef or pork into small pieces.
- Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the meat and salted shrimp (or anchovy fish sauce), then sauté until the meat is lightly browned and fragrant.
- Add the diced zucchini and onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the entire block of soft tofu without breaking it apart.
- Stir in the green onion, minced garlic, and Cheongyang chili peppers if using.
- Simmer until the vegetables are tender and the broth is flavorful.
- Crack one egg directly into the stew.
- Allow the egg white to cook completely without stirring too much.
- Finish by adding 1 tablespoon of sesame oil or perilla oil and a couple of pinches of black pepper. Serve immediately while hot.
Nutrition Facts
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280–360 kcal |
| Protein | 22–28g |
| Fat | 17–22g |
| Carbohydrates | 8–12g |
| Fiber | 2–3g |
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
Why This Fits a Korean Diet Lifestyle
Many people outside Korea associate Korean food with spicy stews and large bowls of rice. While those dishes certainly have their place, everyday Korean home cooking is often much simpler.
This clear soft tofu stew is a great example. Instead of relying on heavy seasonings, it builds flavor from fresh vegetables, a small amount of meat, soft tofu, garlic, and fermented seasonings like salted shrimp or anchovy fish sauce.
It's also designed to be practical. Everything cooks in a single pot, making it an excellent option for busy weekdays. Rather than chasing trendy "diet foods," many Koreans simply prepare balanced meals using familiar ingredients they can enjoy regularly.
Another reason this dish works well for healthy eating is that it naturally combines protein, vegetables, and warm broth in one meal. The result is comforting, satisfying, and easy to adapt to different dietary preferences.
Low-Carb Tips
- Enjoy the stew on its own or with a small serving of brown rice instead of white rice.
- Add mushrooms such as oyster mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms for extra fiber and volume.
- Include more zucchini or spinach to increase vegetable intake without adding many carbohydrates.
- Choose lean beef or pork to reduce saturated fat.
- If you're watching your sodium intake, use reduced-sodium fish sauce and taste before adding extra seasoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this the same as spicy Sundubu-jjigae?
No. Traditional spicy Sundubu-jjigae contains Korean chili flakes or chili paste, while this version uses a clear broth that highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients.
2. Can I make this recipe without meat?
Absolutely. You can omit the meat or substitute it with mushrooms for a lighter vegetarian-friendly version. If you do, replace the salted shrimp or anchovy fish sauce with a vegetarian seasoning to keep the dish meat-free.
3. What is the best tofu for this recipe?
Soft tofu (sundubu) is highly recommended because its silky texture is what makes this stew unique. Firm tofu will produce a very different result.
4. Can I make it spicier?
Yes. Adding sliced Cheongyang chili peppers is the easiest way to increase the heat without changing the clean flavor of the broth.
5. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes. The broth keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two days. For the best texture, however, it's recommended to add the egg just before serving.
Conclusion
Healthy eating doesn't always have to mean salads or smoothies. Sometimes, a warm bowl of homemade soup is exactly what your body needs.
This clear Korean soft tofu stew, inspired by Chef Lim Sung-geun from Culinary Class Wars Season 2, shows how simple ingredients can create a meal that's comforting, protein-rich, and full of natural flavor.
If you're exploring Korean diet-friendly recipes, this is a wonderful addition to your meal rotation. It's easy enough for beginners, satisfying enough for the whole family, and flexible enough to fit many healthy eating goals.
Whether you're trying Korean home cooking for the first time or simply looking for a lighter alternative to spicy stews, this recipe is one you'll want to make again and again.
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