Spam and Potato Stew: A Salty and Soft Rice Thief Jjigae
Spicy and Hearty Spam and Potato Jjigae Recipe
Let’s make a ‘Spam and Potato Jjigae’, a spicy stew made with tender potatoes and savory Spam that whets your appetite. It’s the ultimate rice thief that will have you finishing a bowl of rice in no time! I’ll even share the secret to its simple yet deep flavor.
Main Ingredients for Spam and Potato Stew- 3 Potatoes (cut into large chunks)
- 240g Spam (or Ricem, gently mashed)
- 1 Onion (cut into large chunks)
- 3 Cheongyang peppers (cut into large chunks)
- 1 Green onion (sliced thinly)
- 1L Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the 3 potatoes for the stew. Wash the peels thoroughly, then cut them into large chunks, slightly bigger than bite-sized. This helps them maintain their texture without falling apart when cooked.
Step 2
Cut 1 onion into large chunks, similar in size to the potatoes. As the onion cooks, it releases sweetness, adding depth to the stew’s flavor.
Step 3
Prepare 3 Cheongyang peppers, which will provide the spicy kick. Remove the stems and cut them into large pieces. You can adjust the spiciness to your preference.
Step 4
Now, pour 1L of water into a pot or wok for the stew. A generous amount of water helps the ingredients cook well and develop a rich broth.
Step 5
Next, add the seasoning ingredients. First, add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic. The pungent aroma of garlic will make the broth rich and flavorful.
Step 6
Add 1 Tbsp of Doenjang (fermented soybean paste). Doenjang adds a savory and deep umami flavor to the stew. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the stew taste heavy; 1 tablespoon is usually perfect.
Step 7
Add 1 Tbsp of Gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a spicy kick. Gochujang provides both spiciness and a savory depth.
Step 8
Add 1 Tbsp of Gochugaru (Korean chili powder) to enhance the color and spiciness further. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.
Step 9
Add 1 Tbsp of ginger syrup. Ginger syrup helps to eliminate any unwanted odors from the ingredients and creates a cleaner, richer taste.
Step 10
Add 1 Tbsp of Yeondu (or soup soy sauce) to boost the umami. You can use regular soup soy sauce if you don’t have Yeondu.
Step 11
Take 240g of Spam (or Ricem), remove the packaging, place it in a resealable plastic bag, and gently mash it with your hands or a rolling pin. Mashing it this way helps the Spam flavor infuse better into the broth. You can also cut it into large pieces if you prefer.
Step 12
Thinly slice 1 green onion after washing it thoroughly, then add it to the stew. The refreshing taste of green onion will further enhance the broth’s flavor.
Step 13
Finally, add 1 Tbsp of tuna extract to adjust the seasoning. Tuna extract fills in any missing umami and balances the overall flavor. Now that all ingredients are ready, it’s time to cook!
Step 14
Now, all that’s left is to cook, and your delicious Spam and Potato Stew will be ready! Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are completely tender. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during cooking for a cleaner broth.
Step 15
The savory Spam, tender potatoes, and spicy broth come together to create this irresistible ‘Spam and Potato Jjigae’ that will make you devour a whole bowl of rice! Make it with your family and enjoy!
