Baek Jong-won’s Gamja Jjageuli (Spicy Potato Stew): A Flavorful Stew That Will Make You Eat More Rice
The Essence of Home Cooking! Baek Jong-won’s Gamja Jjageuli Recipe
This is Baek Jong-won’s signature Gamja Jjageuli recipe, easily made with simple ingredients. It’s a magical stew with a spicy yet deep savory flavor that will have you finishing a bowl of rice in no time. Perfect for a hearty meal, it’s also great as a side dish or even as a late-night snack with drinks!
Main Ingredients- 2 potatoes (medium-sized)
- 1 can Spam (300g)
- 1/2 onion
- 2 Cheongyang chili peppers (spicy Korean peppers)
- 1/3 stalk green onion
- 2 cups water (400ml)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 0.3 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste, approx. 1/3 Tbsp)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or rice wine)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 0.3 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste, approx. 1/3 Tbsp)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or rice wine)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the ingredients. Peel the potatoes and cut them into thick julienne strips, about 1cm thick. Slice the onion thinly. Chop the green onion and Cheongyang chili peppers diagonally. For the Spam, you can rinse it under hot water in a colander to remove excess grease.
Step 2
Cut the Spam into bite-sized pieces and place them in a plastic bag. Using a spoon or your hands, mash the Spam. It’s important not to mash it completely; leave some chunky pieces for a better texture.
Step 3
Now, combine the julienned potatoes, sliced onion, and mashed Spam in a pot. Add the seasoning ingredients: 1 Tbsp Gochujang, 0.3 Tbsp Doenjang, 2 Tbsp Gochugaru, 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sugar, and 1 Tbsp cooking wine. Pour in 2 cups (400ml) of water. Mix everything well with a spatula or spoon until the ingredients and seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 4
Once the ingredients and seasonings are well combined, place the pot over high heat. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the stew from sticking to the bottom.
Step 5
When the potatoes are tender and the stew has thickened slightly, add the chopped green onion and Cheongyang chili peppers. Simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step adds a fresh aroma and a final touch of spice.
Step 6
Your Baek Jong-won’s Gamja Jjageuli is ready! Enjoy the harmonious blend of savory Doenjang and spicy Gochujang, paired with the salty Spam and tender potatoes. It’s a delicious accompaniment to a hot bowl of rice.
