This cozy Soft Tofu Stew comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the veggies or toss in any leftover proteins to make it your own. It’s perfect for a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal, ensuring nothing goes to waste while serving up something delicious, warm, and comforting.
Ingredient Breakdown
- 1 Block of Soft Tofu
- 2 Tablespoons of Sesame Oil
- 2 Teaspoons of Korean Gochugaru
- 4 Cups of Vegetable or Chicken Broth
- Soy Sauce to Taste
- Zucchini, Chopped
- Mushrooms, Chopped
- Spinach, Chopped
- Chopped Green Onions for Garnish
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- Optional: Shrimp or Clams
Let’s Get Cooking!
- Heat sesame oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat (about 1-2 minutes).
- Sauté the chopped zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for about 3-5 minutes until tender. You’ll know they’re ready when they start to become aromatic and the colors brighten!
- Stir in the gochugaru and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, this is when the magic happens, and your kitchen will smell simply incredible!
- Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. The moment it bubbles up, it’s perfect. Just wait until you see those lovely rolling bubbles!
- Gently add the soft tofu in large chunks, being careful not to break it too much. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes. You want that tofu to warm up without going mushy.
- Stir in the soy sauce to taste, adding a couple of pinches of salt and pepper as needed. Give it a well-deserved taste, and adjust!
- Serve hot, garnished with the chopped green onions. You might want to whip out some crusty bread to soak up all that yummy broth, you won’t regret it!

Why I Love This Recipe
This Quick and Easy Soft Tofu Stew has become my go-to recipe when I need something comforting and delicious on the table yet don’t have much time. Seriously, it’s a hug in a bowl! I love how adaptable it is; you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, and it still turns out super flavorful. The best part? My picky 8-year-old actually asks for seconds!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Korean Fried Chicken, my Korean Chicken Bao, or my Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast!
One Pot Wonder
It’s a one-pot meal, so cleanup is a breeze! You can enjoy your meal without spending ages at the sink afterward.
Budget-Friendly
Made with everyday ingredients, this soft tofu stew is kind to your wallet while still packing tons of flavor.
Comfort Food
It’s truly comfort food at its finest. Loaded with soft tofu, veggies, and a savory broth, this dish will warm you from the inside out.
Customizable
Got some veggies languishing in the fridge? Use whatever ingredients you have! This recipe is super adaptable, so feel free to get creative!
Serving and Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
This stew is perfect on its own but pairs wonderfully with some crusty bread or a side of steamed rice. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad to balance the meal!
How Long It Keeps
Your leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container for the best freshness.
Best Method to Reheat
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it seems thick, feel free to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Freezer Friendly?
Yes! This stew freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
And there you have it, an easy and warm dish that will warm you up on those chilly evenings. Just remember, food is all about bringing people together, and this Soft Tofu Stew does just that! Enjoy every comforting bite! Follow us on Pinterest for daily inspiration that brings warmth to your table!

Soft Tofu Stew
Ingredients
Method
- Heat sesame oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat (about 1-2 minutes).
- Sauté the chopped zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for about 3-5 minutes until tender.
- Stir in the gochugaru and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
- Gently add the soft tofu in large chunks and simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the soy sauce to taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.