Spam & Gochu Cheong Jjabaegi (Spam with Chili Syrup Stew)
Spam & Gochu Cheong Jjabaegi: A Spicy & Sweet Korean Side Dish
Got leftover Spam from gifts? Turn it into a delicious, spicy, and sweet ‘Spam Gochu Cheong Jjabaegi’! This easy-to-make dish is perfect for transforming a common ingredient into a flavor-packed side that will have you reaching for more rice.
Ingredients- 1 can Spam (traditional slice or 200g)
- 3 Tbsp Gochu Cheong (Chili Syrup – the secret to its spicy-sweet flavor!)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 stalk green onion (white parts only, finely chopped)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp anchovy sauce (for umami boost!)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, slice the Spam into bite-sized pieces, about 0.7cm thick. To reduce its saltiness and oiliness, blanch the sliced Spam in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. This step ensures a cleaner, more refined taste.
Step 2
Drain the blanched Spam thoroughly using a colander. Once drained, finely chop the Spam into smaller pieces. If you prefer a bit more texture, you don’t need to chop it too finely.
Step 3
Select only the white parts of the green onion. Wash them clean, then thinly slice and finely chop. Chopping the green onion finely will help it release more flavor when sautéed with the garlic.
Step 4
Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté over low heat until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Once the garlic is aromatic, add the chopped green onion and stir-fry until the onion turns slightly translucent.
Step 5
Add the chopped Spam and the star ingredient, Gochu Cheong (3 Tbsp), to the pan with the sautéed garlic and green onion. Stir-fry over medium heat until the Spam is well coated and slightly caramelized with the Gochu Cheong. (Tip: Refer to @7033753 for Gochu Cheong recipes to make your own for an even more authentic taste!)
Step 6
Pour in the anchovy sauce (1 Tbsp) for an extra umami kick and the soy sauce (2 Tbsp) to adjust the seasoning. Continue to stir-fry over low heat, ensuring all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 7
Once the mixture is well combined, glossy, and has a rich color, turn off the heat. Drizzle in the sesame oil (1 Tbsp) and give it a final mix. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds (1 Tbsp) for a perfect finish.
Step 8
Serve this delicious Spam Gochu Cheong Jjabaegi over hot rice. Topping it with a fried egg makes it an irresistible meal that will have you finishing your rice in no time!
