Dish guides · Korean

Is doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) healthy?

Doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) costs about $3.72 a serving to make at home at typical US grocery prices. Going by its main ingredients, it's a good fit for lower LDL cholesterol, steadier blood sugar, weight loss and more protein.

By health goal

Lower LDL cholesterol
Good fit
For lower LDL cholesterol, tofu in doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) helps, and nothing in it works against that goal.
Steadier blood sugar
Good fit
For steadier blood sugar, tofu, zucchini and mushroom in doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) help, and nothing in it works against that goal.
Lower blood pressure
Watch the salt
Go easy on doenjang: it's salty. Most of the salt in dishes like this comes from the sauce, so go light on soy sauce or use a low-sodium one.
Weight loss
Good fit
For weight loss, tofu, zucchini and mushroom in doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) help, and nothing in it works against that goal.
More protein
Good fit
For more protein, tofu in doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) helps, and nothing in it works against that goal.

For LDL cholesterol, with sources

2 of 5
LDL habits in this dish
Soluble fiber (oats, barley, beans, eggplant, okra, fruit)
Fish, ideally oily (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
✓
Soy or beans in place of some meat
Nuts, seeds, olive oil or avocado
✓
Little fatty meat, cream, butter or cheese
Helps your LDL
tofu
Soy protein in place of animal protein.
Mayo Clinic

What goes in (per portion)

tofu
½ block
zucchini
½
potato
½
mushroom
¼ lb
doenjang
1.5 tbsp
yellow onion
¼
chilli pepper
½
green onion
¼ bunch
rice mix
¼ cup

Questions

Is doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) healthy?

Doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) costs about $3.72 a serving to make at home at typical US grocery prices. Going by its main ingredients, it's a good fit for lower LDL cholesterol, steadier blood sugar, weight loss and more protein.

Is doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) good for high cholesterol?

Yes, going by its main ingredients. For lower LDL cholesterol, tofu in doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) helps, and nothing in it works against that goal.

Is doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) OK for blood sugar or diabetes?

Yes, going by its main ingredients. For steadier blood sugar, tofu, zucchini and mushroom in doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) help, and nothing in it works against that goal.

Is doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) OK for high blood pressure?

Go easy on doenjang: it's salty. Most of the salt in dishes like this comes from the sauce, so go light on soy sauce or use a low-sodium one.

Is doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) good for weight loss?

Yes, going by its main ingredients. For weight loss, tofu, zucchini and mushroom in doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) help, and nothing in it works against that goal.

Is doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) high in protein?

Yes, going by its main ingredients. For more protein, tofu in doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) helps, and nothing in it works against that goal.

How much does doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) cost to make at home?

About $3.72 a serving, or $14.88 for four servings, at typical US grocery prices, with pantry staples like soy sauce and oil counted at $0.40 a serving.

How can I make doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) healthier?

It's already in good shape. Serve it with a vegetable side, like spinach or broccoli, and brown rice if you want more fiber.

Plan a week of dishes like this

Eat Healthy AF plans your week of Asian home cooking around your health goal, with one shopping list and the cost of each meal. Free for 7 days, no card needed.
General nutrition information, not medical advice, based on each dish's main ingredients as we cook it; sauces and salt vary by recipe. Prices are typical US grocery prices and vary by store.
Eat Healthy AF (AF as in Asian Food) is general nutrition information, not medical advice. It doesn't diagnose or treat anything. Keep your doctor in the loop, and don't change any medication without them.