Spicy and Hearty Gamja Jjageuli (Korean Potato Stew)
Spicy and Hearty Gamja Jjageuli (Korean Potato Stew)
Hearty Gochujang Potato Stew with Spam: A Delicious Gamja Jjageuli Recipe
With fresh potatoes in season, they are not only delicious steamed as a snack or fried into pancakes, but also make a fantastic, satisfying side dish for rice! Today, we’re sharing a recipe for a spicy and savory #PotatoStew #PotatoDish #GochujangPotatoStew #GamjaJjageuli #PotatoSpamStew #HowToMakePotatoStew. This jjageuli-style stew, with its rich, concentrated broth, is perfect for mixing with rice. On days when you crave a warm, comforting soup, try making this easy and impressive dish with ingredients you likely have on hand. It’s also a wonderful addition to your home-style meals.
Main Ingredients- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 can (200g) Spam
- 1 medium onion
- 1 Cheongyang chili pepper (or other hot chili pepper)
- 1 red chili pepper
- 2 Tbsp minced green onion
Seasoning Ingredients- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or soup soy sauce)
- 0.7 Tbsp minced garlic (approx. 1/2 Tbsp)
- 1 Tbsp red chili powder (gochugaru)
- 1.5 Tbsp red chili paste (gochujang)
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- Pinch of black pepper
- 3 cups anchovy or kelp broth (approx. 600ml)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or soup soy sauce)
- 0.7 Tbsp minced garlic (approx. 1/2 Tbsp)
- 1 Tbsp red chili powder (gochugaru)
- 1.5 Tbsp red chili paste (gochujang)
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- Pinch of black pepper
- 3 cups anchovy or kelp broth (approx. 600ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the potatoes and peel them, then cut them into bite-sized cubes, about 1.5 cm thick. Slice the onion into similar-sized pieces as the potatoes. For the chili peppers, remove the seeds and slice them thinly on an angle for color. Mince the green onion.
Step 2
Open the Spam can and remove the contents. Briefly blanch it in boiling water or pour hot water over it to remove excess grease. Then, cut it into 1cm cubes.
Step 3
Prepare a pot or wok with some depth. Add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Pour in 2 Tbsp of soy sauce and 1 Tbsp of fish sauce, tossing to coat the potatoes evenly. Sauté for about 1 minute to allow the potatoes to absorb the flavors; this step enhances their taste as they cook.
Step 4
Add 0.7 Tbsp of minced garlic, 1 Tbsp of gochugaru (red chili powder), and 1.5 Tbsp of gochujang (red chili paste) to the pot with the potatoes. Mix everything well and stir-fry until the seasonings are evenly distributed and coat the potatoes. Be careful not to burn the mixture.
Step 5
Pour in 3 cups of anchovy or kelp broth (or rice water, or plain water). Bring the stew to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the potatoes are halfway done. When the potatoes are partially cooked, add the cubed Spam and continue to simmer.
Step 6
Once the potatoes are almost tender, add 0.5 Tbsp of sugar to enhance the overall flavor profile. Stir in the minced green onion and the sliced red and Cheongyang chili peppers to finish the dish. Sprinkle in a pinch of black pepper.
Step 7
Cooked potatoes are versatile, pairing well with many seasonings. However, a spicy jjageuli made with gochujang and gochugaru is truly exceptional as a rice side dish. Simply spoon it over hot rice and mix; you won’t need any other banchan! The spicy flavor will whet your appetite.
Step 8
If you’re wondering what to make for dinner tonight, try making this spicy and hearty stew with potatoes and Spam, or even tuna. It’s perfect for mixing with rice and makes a satisfying meal. If you’re cooking for children, consider making a milder version using soy sauce instead of gochujang for a less spicy stew. Enjoy your delicious meal!
