Spam and Potato Stir-fry: A Salty and Savory Korean Classic
Spam and Potato Stir-fry: A Salty and Savory Korean Classic
Baek Jong-won Style Spam Potato Stir-fry Recipe: The Perfect Harmony of Ham and Potatoes!
Introducing a savory and delicious Spam and Potato Stir-fry recipe made with fresh, in-season potatoes. Potatoes, rich in Vitamin C, are delicious on their own, but when stir-fried with savory Spam, they become a top-tier side dish that appeals to everyone from children to adults. Even without complex seasonings, the combination of potatoes and Spam creates an exceptional flavor. While potato stir-fries are common, today we’ll share a special tip inspired by Baek Jong-won, ensuring the potatoes remain firm and don’t break apart during cooking. This Spam and Potato Stir-fry is simple yet guarantees deliciousness. Make it now and serve it over warm rice!
Ingredients- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 can (200g) Spam
- 1/4 onion
- 1 handful green onion (about 1/4 stalk)
- 1/4 carrot (for color)
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 Tbsp cooking oil
- A little black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the potatoes thoroughly. Then, using a mandoline slicer or a knife, cut them into thin, uniform matchsticks. Cutting them thinly is key for a good texture when stir-fried. (Tip: Slice the onion into similar thickness matchsticks, about 1/4 the volume of the potatoes. If you want to add color, thinly julienne the carrot as well. Chop the green onion finely for added aroma. Carrot and green onion are optional.)
Step 2
Slice the Spam into matchsticks of similar thickness to the potatoes. Be careful not to cut them too thin, as they might break apart during stir-frying.
Step 3
Blanching the potatoes before stir-frying helps them maintain their shape and cook more deliciously without breaking apart. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the sliced potatoes, and blanch them lightly for just 1-2 minutes. (Tip: If you choose not to blanch, soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for about 10 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain them completely before stir-frying.)
Step 4
Immediately rinse the blanched potatoes under cold water to cool them down. This process helps the potatoes firm up and prevents them from clumping together while cooking.
Step 5
Heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat, and add the sliced Spam to begin stir-frying.
Step 6
Sauté the Spam until it’s lightly browned. This step renders out the delicious fat from the Spam and helps it maintain a firm texture when stir-fried with the vegetables later, preventing it from becoming mushy. Cook until the Spam is nicely golden brown.
Step 7
Once the Spam is golden brown, add the sliced onion to the pan and stir-fry it along with the Spam. Cook until the onion becomes translucent.
Step 8
Now, add the drained potatoes and the julienned carrots for color. Stir-fry everything together until well combined.
Step 9
Once the potatoes are partially cooked, add a pinch of salt to season. (Tip: If you prefer a milder flavor, simply finish with a dash of black pepper. For a richer, more savory taste, you can add a little more cooking oil at this stage.)
Step 10
Finally, add the chopped green onions and give it a quick stir-fry. Your delicious Spam and Potato Stir-fry is ready! It tastes best served warm, but it’s also a great side dish that can be enjoyed cold. This recipe is surprisingly simple and quick to make, so why not whip up this ham and potato matchstick stir-fry using seasonal fresh potatoes and let the whole family enjoy it with a bowl of hot rice!
