Spam and Tofu Stew: A Savory Rice-Friendly Jjigae
Quick & Easy Spam Tofu Stew: The Perfect Dish to Pair with a Bowl of Rice
On days when cooking feels like a chore, a hearty stew is all you need to satisfy your hunger with a steaming bowl of rice. This Spam and Tofu Stew is so delicious and satisfying, it’ll make your rice disappear in no time! It’s a perfect example of a ‘jjigae’ that’s simmered down to a thick, flavorful consistency, making it ideal for mixing with rice. Enjoy this incredibly simple yet deeply flavorful dish!
Stew Ingredients
- 1 can (200g) Spam
- 1/2 block firm tofu
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1 stalk green onion
- 2 cups anchovy broth (approx. 400ml)
Stew Seasoning Mix
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (anchovy or sand lance)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Rice Wine (Mirin)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (anchovy or sand lance)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Rice Wine (Mirin)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thinly slice the green onion on an angle and julienne the onion. Slicing them this way helps maintain their texture and adds more flavor as they cook.
Step 2
Cut the potatoes into semi-thin, flat slices, about 7mm thick. These soft, cooked potatoes mixed with the seasoning are absolutely delicious! If you slice them too thinly, they might break down while simmering, so aim for a moderate thickness.
Step 3
Cut the tofu into thick slices, about 7mm thick, similar to the potatoes.
Step 4
Slice the Spam into pieces roughly the same thickness as the tofu. Slicing them into bite-sized pieces will make the stew easier to eat.
Step 5
To remove impurities and excess salt from the Spam, briefly blanch it in boiling water for about 5 minutes. Rinse it under cold water and change the water once or twice for a cleaner taste. (This step is optional but recommended!)
Step 6
In a small bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients: gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, sesame oil, rice wine, and minced garlic. Mix them thoroughly with a spoon to create the seasoning paste.
Step 7
Arrange the sliced potatoes and onions at the bottom of your pot. This prevents the stew from sticking to the bottom and allows the vegetables to release their flavors into the broth, creating a richer taste.
Step 8
Next, layer the sliced Spam and tofu attractively on top of the vegetables, arranging them to fill the pot. If you have any extra Spam, you can mash it slightly and tuck it into the gaps. Arranging it neatly is key to a beautiful presentation!
Step 9
Pour in the anchovy broth and add all the prepared seasoning paste. Bring the stew to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded into the Spam and tofu. Stir occasionally.
Step 10
When the broth has thickened to a nice, stew-like consistency and all the ingredients are well-seasoned, add the sliced green onions and simmer for another minute to finish. The fresh aroma of the green onions will enhance the flavor.
Step 11
Serve this delicious Spam and Tofu Stew generously over a bowl of freshly cooked rice. Mix the flavorful tofu and Spam into the rice for an incredibly satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a solo meal or a hearty dinner!
