Savory Spam and Potato Stew (Jjageuli)
Baek Jong Won’s Spam and Potato Stew Made with Fresh Potatoes (Plus Side Dish Reveal!)
The season for fresh potatoes is here! This recipe is your survival guide to potato paradise. Get ready to enjoy a delicious and hearty meal.
Spam and Potato Stew
- 2 medium potatoes
- 200g Spam (light or regular)
- 1/2 onion
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (optional)
- Mushrooms (about 50g, any kind)
Seasoning Sauce
- 500ml water
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/3 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Korean soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 500ml water
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/3 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Korean soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing two medium-sized potatoes. Wash them thoroughly. I’m using light Spam for this recipe, but regular Spam works wonderfully too!
Step 2
Cut the potatoes into your preferred size. Larger chunks are fine, but smaller pieces will cook faster and are perfect for mixing into rice. For the Spam, you can either mash half of it and cut the other half into cubes, or prepare it all according to your preference. This adds a nice textural contrast.
Step 3
Mushrooms are optional but highly recommended for extra flavor. I’m using frozen shiitake mushroom stems, which I often save. Any type of mushroom will work well here, and the stems add a wonderful depth to stews and jjageuli. (If you don’t have mushrooms or stems, you can omit this.)
Step 4
In a pot over medium heat, combine all the seasoning sauce ingredients (500ml water, 1 Tbsp gochujang, 1/3 Tbsp doenjang, 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sugar) along with the prepared mushrooms (frozen mushroom stems). Sauté them briefly until the flavors meld and the aroma is released.
Step 5
Now, add the mashed Spam to the seasoning mixture and stir-fry. The savory fat from the Spam will blend with the sauce, creating a richer flavor. If you prepared all the Spam mashed, add it all at this stage and continue to cook.
Step 6
Next, add the cut potatoes and the remaining Spam (cubed Spam). Stir everything gently to coat the ingredients evenly with the sauce. Sautéing the potatoes briefly will help them absorb the flavors.
Step 7
Once the ingredients are lightly sautéed, pour in the chopped onion and the 500ml of water. Bring it to a boil over high heat. If you’re using fresh onion, it’s best to add it when you add the potatoes. (I added pre-portioned onion with the water.)
Step 8
When the stew comes to a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking! The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor will become.
Step 9
While the jjageuli is simmering, prepare a soft-boiled egg to serve alongside. The creamy yolk will be a delightful addition when mixed into the stew.
Step 10
Today, we’re enjoying this delicious Spam and Potato Stew with freshly cooked rice. A hearty and nutritious meal is ready!
Step 11
Ladle a generous portion of the tempting Spam and Potato Stew over your warm rice and mix it all up. Enjoy your delicious meal today!
