KoreanMedium · Hot
Bubbling Soy-Garlic Tofu and Spinach Stew
The broth here is built in the pot in stages — garlic and ginger go first, soy goes in next, and tofu cubes slide in to warm through and drink in the stock as it simmers. Spinach added at the end collapses almost immediately, brightening the broth while adding body to each spoonful. This is the kind of stew that works at any hour and asks very little of the cook in return.
Prep
15 min
Cook
30 min
Total
45 min
Method
Prepare Ingredients
1
Dice the yellow onion into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely. Measure out the ginger. Cut the tofu into 2cm cubes for easy simmering.
2
Rinse the spinach thoroughly and drain any excess water. Measure out the sesame seeds for garnish.
Build the Broth
3
Heat sunflower oil in your stockpot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
5
Pour in the soy sauce and cook for 30 seconds to toast the flavor. Add the whole milk and water, stirring to combine.
Finish and Serve
7
8
9
Ladle the bubbling stew into deep bowls. Finish each serving with a sprinkle of sesame seeds over the top.
Grade pending
Nutri-Score
Estimated nutrition
Grade pending · 100% ingredient coverage
Calories
275
per serving
High in protein · 16g
Protein
16g
Carbs
17g
Fat
18g
Sat. fat
5g
Fiber
3g
Sodium
1210mg
Bone HealthHeart HealthyMuscle RecoveryHigh ProteinLow CarbBalanced Meal
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
B
Environmental impact
Low impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
0.8
per serving
BCarbonAEU all-round· carbon sets the grade
Water
0.1m³
Runoff
0.06g P
whole milk drives 49% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
7
Umami
0
Sweet
0
Salty
2
Sour
2
Bitter
4
Spicy
Textures
SilkyTenderCreamySaucy
Aromas
GarlickyHerbalNuttySpicy
Kitchen Equipment
Primary Tool
StockpotStockpotLadleChef KnifeCutting BoardMeasuring Spoons SetMeasuring CupsTongsFine Mesh StrainerPaper TowelsClean Kitchen Towels
Counter FootprintMedium
Safety & Storage
Cooking Temperature
Bring milk-based broth to full boil before reducing to simmer. Ensure stew maintains gentle boil for at least 10 minutes during flavor development phase.
High Risk Population
Contains milk - avoid for lactose-intolerant individuals. Contains soy and sesame - common allergens requiring strict avoidance for sensitive populations. Spinach is high in vitamin K which may interact with warfarin or other blood thinners.
Wash all utensils, knives, and surfaces that contact tofu before use with other ingredients.
Storage
Refrigerate leftover stew within 2 hours of cooking. Store in airtight container. Consume within 3 days. Reheat to 165°F throughout before serving.
Handling
Add tofu cubes gently to avoid breaking. Use deep bowls when serving bubbling stew to prevent烫伤 (scald injuries). Stir spinach carefully to prevent splashing hot liquid.
Allergen Warning
This dish contains milk, soy, and sesame. Verify all guests have no allergies before serving. Cross-contact with other allergens (nuts, gluten, eggs) may occur if prepared in shared kitchen.
Pro Tips
Technique
For silky tofu that holds its shape in the broth, press it gently between clean kitchen towels for 10 minutes before cutting. This removes excess water and helps the cubes absorb more of that beautiful seasoned broth.
Substitution
{"classification":"substitution"}
Flavor Boost
{"classification":"flavor-boost","text":{"text":"Finish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. This transforms the dish, adding that nutty aroma that defines Korean comfort food."}}
From the chef
This stew builds in stages and rewards patience: garlic and ginger bloom in oil first, then soy goes in to toast before the stock joins, and tofu cubes slide in to absorb every layer of that savory broth as it simmers. Spinach collapses into the pot in the last two minutes, brightening the color and adding body without going mushy. Cayenne and paprika bring warmth rather than fire. It is the kind of bowl that works at any hour — weeknight dinner, late lunch, early morning recovery — and it asks almost nothing from the cook in return.
TagsKorean InspiredTofuSpinachSesameStewOne PotWeeknight DinnerVegetarianSoy Garlic
AllergensMilkSoySesame
Source: generated · May 30, 2026