Doenjang-jjigae, or soybean paste stew, is a Korean traditional jjigae, made from the primary ingredient of doenjang, and additional optional ingredients vegetables, seafood, and meat. It is one of the most iconic and popular traditional dishes in Korean cuisine, and is often eaten regularly regardless of occasion or time of day.
Doenjang-jjigae was initially made with home-made doenjang; however, due to extensive industrialisation of soybean paste, households and restaurants nowadays use factory-made doenjang instead as their ingredient. From traditional to modern Korean cuisine, doenjang has become one of the most frequently used jang.
Doenjang-jjigae is often mistaken for doenjag-guk (soybean paste soup). The main difference between Korean-style stew and soup is in the method of cooking and serving. Jjigae is thicker, has more ingredients, and is largely served as a standalone dish.