Spicy & Sweet Tofu Spam Potato Gangjeong
A Delicious Transformation: Tofu, Spam, and Potatoes Unite for an Irresistible Dish!
Spam is delicious on its own, but pan-frying it brings out a savory, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with other ingredients. Today, we’re combining this delightful Spam with tender tofu and fluffy potatoes to create a fantastic gangjeong (Korean sweet and savory stir-fried dish) that everyone will love! It’s perfect as a side dish for rice or even as a satisfying snack.
Main Ingredients
- Spam 200g (1 can)
- Tofu 300g (1 block)
- Potatoes 2 (medium-sized)
- Chopped nuts 40g (walnuts, almonds, etc.)
- Cooking oil 4 Tbsp
- Scallions, chopped, for garnish
Spicy & Sweet Gangjeong Sauce
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 Tbsp
- Ketchup 5 Tbsp
- Soy sauce 1/2 Tbsp
- Oyster sauce 1/2 Tbsp
- Rice syrup or corn syrup 3 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Mirin (rice wine) 2 Tbsp
- Water 3 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 Tbsp
- Ketchup 5 Tbsp
- Soy sauce 1/2 Tbsp
- Oyster sauce 1/2 Tbsp
- Rice syrup or corn syrup 3 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Mirin (rice wine) 2 Tbsp
- Water 3 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Cut the 300g block of tofu into bite-sized cubes, approximately 4x4x2 cm. Place the cut tofu on paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Lightly season with salt for enhanced flavor.
Step 2
Cut the 200g of potatoes into cubes of similar size to the tofu. Cutting them slightly larger will give a nice fluffy texture when cooked.
Step 3
Dice the 200g Spam into cubes, similar in size to the tofu and potatoes. The savory saltiness of the Spam will create a wonderful umami flavor when combined with the sauce.
Step 4
Heat 2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned tofu and pan-fry until golden brown on all sides. Once the tofu is nicely browned, add the potatoes and continue to cook until they become tender and slightly translucent. For the Spam, no additional oil is needed; pan-fry it directly until golden brown. This helps to render some of the fat, making it less greasy.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the delicious gangjeong sauce! In a bowl, combine 2 Tbsp gochujang, 5 Tbsp ketchup, 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp oyster sauce, 3 Tbsp rice syrup or corn syrup, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp mirin, and finally 3 Tbsp water. Whisk everything together until well combined to create the sauce.
Step 6
Preheat another pan or a wok over high heat. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a boil. Stir constantly to prevent sticking, and let it simmer for just 30 seconds once it starts bubbling. Be careful not to overcook the sauce, as it can burn quickly.
Step 7
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the pan-fried tofu, cooked potatoes, and browned Spam to the sauce. Toss everything gently to ensure the sauce evenly coats all the ingredients. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and clings to the ingredients, creating a glossy finish.
Step 8
Turn off the heat. Stir in the chopped nuts for an added crunch and texture. Your delicious Tofu Spam Potato Gangjeong is now complete! The nuts provide a delightful contrast to the soft ingredients.
Step 9
Transfer the finished gangjeong to a serving plate. Garnish generously with finely chopped scallions for a touch of freshness and color. This dish is fantastic as a side for rice or even as a tasty snack for kids. We highly recommend you try making it!
