Spam and Potato Stew (Gamja Jjageuli): A Hearty Dish That’s Perfect with Rice
Baek Jong-won’s Potato Stew, Spam Potato Stew, Spicy Potato Gochujang Stew Recipe
Hello everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe for Spam and Potato Stew (Gamja Jjageuli), a dish so delicious that you can simply mix it with rice and enjoy a fulfilling meal without needing many side dishes. It’s incredibly easy to make with ingredients you likely have at home, like Spam and potatoes, yet it delivers a deep, savory, and satisfying flavor profile, far from being simple. It’s especially perfect for those chilly mornings and evenings when a warm, comforting soup is just what you need. Following a recipe inspired by Baek Jong-won, let’s make a rich and flavorful potato stew brimming with Spam! Get ready to experience a magical taste that will make a bowl of rice disappear in no time!
Main Ingredients
- 350g potatoes (about 2-3 medium-sized)
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1 stalk green onion
- 2 Korean chili peppers (cheongyang chili)
- 1 red chili pepper
- 500ml rice water or plain water (about 2.5 cups)
- 1 can (200g) Spam
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 0.5 Tbsp doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 4 Tbsp guk-ganjang (Korean soup soy sauce) or regular soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (like mirin)
- 0.1 tsp ginger powder (or a tiny amount of minced ginger)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 0.5 Tbsp doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 4 Tbsp guk-ganjang (Korean soup soy sauce) or regular soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (like mirin)
- 0.1 tsp ginger powder (or a tiny amount of minced ginger)
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash and peel the potatoes thoroughly. If there are any sprouted parts, make sure to cut them out completely. This time, I made both potato stew and potato pancakes to use up all the potatoes! (The red chili pepper was missing from the photo, but make sure you prepare one red chili pepper too!)
Step 2
Instead of using Spam directly, it’s better to briefly blanch it in boiling water or ‘shower’ it with hot water. This helps remove impurities and excess fat, resulting in a cleaner taste. Pour boiling water (100°C / 212°F) over the Spam can for about 1-2 minutes, then drain. You can also boil it directly in water.
Step 3
Once blanched, place the Spam in a plastic bag and mash it roughly with a fork or your hands. Avoid mashing it too finely; leaving some chunks will improve the texture and make the stew even more delicious. This is a key tip for great texture!
Step 4
After preparing the potatoes, slice them into thick pieces, about 0.7-1 cm thick. You can soak them in water briefly to remove excess starch, which will make the stew clearer. Finely chop the green chili peppers, red chili pepper, and green onion. Slice the onion into thick shreds. In a separate bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients (gochujang, doenjang, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, gochugaru, cooking wine, ginger powder, black pepper) and mix well to create the seasoning paste.
Step 5
Now, place the thickly sliced potatoes and shredded onions in a pot. Add the prepared seasoning paste. Wearing disposable gloves or using a spatula/spoon, gently mix the potatoes and onions with the seasoning until well coated. Marinating the vegetables beforehand allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a deeper taste.
Step 6
Pour 500ml (about 2.5 cups) of rice water or plain water over the seasoned potatoes and onions. Using rice water helps eliminate any gamey odors and adds a richer, more savory depth to the broth. Then, add all the mashed Spam to the pot.
Step 7
Bring the stew to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts bubbling vigorously, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and slightly breaking apart. (Adjust cooking time based on how the potatoes are cooking!) Once the potatoes are sufficiently cooked, add the chopped green onions, Korean chili peppers, and red chili pepper, and simmer for a few more minutes to finish.
Step 8
With the weather being cool in the mornings and evenings, and warm during the day, a hot bowl of soup is incredibly appealing, isn’t it? In times like these, Baek Jong-won’s style potato stew is a fantastic option because you can make it easily without many ingredients. It will add warmth and heartiness to your meal.
Step 9
Most households have a can or two of Spam or other processed meat. If you don’t have Spam, you can substitute it with pork (ground pork or sliced pork belly) for an equally delicious result. Although it’s simple to prepare, the taste is remarkably complex and rich. Enjoy a hearty and delicious meal with this Spam and Potato Gochujang Stew!
