Hearty and Delicious Spam Sundubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)
Spam Sundubu Jjigae Recipe: Your Shortcut to Restaurant-Quality Stew at Home!
As a home cook, I’ve always found sundubu jjigae to be one of the more challenging dishes. However, with the addition of Spam, I’ve gained so much confidence in making this delicious Spam Sundubu Jjigae. This recipe makes it incredibly approachable, turning a potentially daunting dish into a guaranteed success. Enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal with ease!
Key Ingredients
- 1 can Spam (approx. 200g)
- 2 packs soft tofu (300g each)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Cheongyang pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 medium onion
- Pinch of black pepper
- 3 Tbsp red chili powder (gochugaru)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp oyster sauce
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Welcome! Today, I’m sharing how to make the beloved spicy and savory sundubu jjigae even richer and more delicious using Spam. With this recipe, you can enjoy fantastic sundubu jjigae right in your own kitchen.
Step 2
First, prepare the Spam. Instead of cutting it with a knife, place the Spam in a zip-top bag and mash it with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon. This helps the seasonings penetrate better and allows the Spam to break down more smoothly in the stew, making it tastier.
Step 3
Now, heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pot. Add the mashed Spam and sauté over medium-low heat until the Spam releases its fat and turns a nice golden brown. Sautéing it this way enhances the Spam’s savory flavor, making the stew much more delicious.
Step 4
Once the Spam is nicely browned, add 3 tablespoons of red chili powder (gochugaru). Stir-fry over low heat, being careful not to burn the powder, allowing it to release its fragrant chili oil. This infuses the stew with a vibrant color and a spicy kick.
Step 5
When the chili powder is fragrant, add 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and quickly stir-fry over high heat to impart a smoky ‘wok hei’ flavor. As the soy sauce begins to slightly caramelize, add 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce and stir-fry for another minute to deepen the umami.
Step 6
Now, pour in 300ml of water and stir to combine all the seasonings. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly.
Step 7
Once the broth has reduced a bit, carefully add the 2 packs of soft tofu, cut into thick slices, to the pot. You can use a spoon to break the tofu into large, soft chunks as you add it to maintain its delicate texture.
Step 8
After adding the tofu and bringing it back to a simmer, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 chopped Cheongyang pepper, and a pinch of black pepper. You can also add sliced green onions if you like. Let it simmer gently for a few more minutes until all the ingredients are well combined. Your delicious Spam Sundubu Jjigae is ready!
Step 9
Your Spam Sundubu Jjigae is complete and ready to be enjoyed with a hot bowl of rice! The savory Spam, the silky soft tofu, and the spicy broth create a perfect harmony that will make you want to finish every last grain of rice. Enjoy your meal!
