Spicy and Savory Braised Potatoes (Gamja Jjageuli)
Spicy and Savory Braised Potatoes (Gamja Jjageuli)
Fail-Proof Gamja Jjageuli for Beginners! Guaranteed to Make You Eat Two Bowls of Rice.
It’s the season for fresh potatoes! Enjoy this delicious and affordable seasonal potato dish. While simply boiled, stir-fried, or simmered potatoes are great, this gochujang-based stew is so satisfying that you won’t need any other side dishes.
Main Ingredients- 3 small potatoes (approx. 300g)
- 1 small can of Spam (200g)
- 1/2 onion (approx. 100g)
- 1 stalk of green onion (approx. 100g)
- 2-3 Cheongyang chili peppers (adjust to spice preference)
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 3 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Soup soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 3 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Soup soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s prepare the ingredients that will make this jjageuli so delicious! Peel the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized pieces. We’re using one small can (200g) of Spam. Adjust the amount of Cheongyang chili peppers based on your spice preference; use up to 3 if you like it hot, or 1-2 if you prefer milder heat. Spice level is always up to your taste!
Step 2
Cutting the potatoes about the thickness of a tablespoon makes them cook evenly and hold their shape while becoming tender. Slice the onion into thick strips or dice it. Finely chop the green onion and Cheongyang chili peppers. Cutting them lengthwise rather than too finely will give a nice texture when you bite into them.
Step 3
Open the Spam can and place it into a plastic bag. Then, use a rolling pin or the bottom of a cup to mash it. Alternatively, you can cut it into bite-sized cubes. Mashing the Spam will create a richer and more robust broth.
Step 4
Now, add the cut potatoes, onions, and the mashed Spam to a pot. You could sauté them first, but today we’re making a stew with a rich broth, so we’ll add the seasonings directly.
Step 5
It’s time to add all the seasoning ingredients for that savory depth. Add 1 Tbsp Gochujang, 2 Tbsp Gochugaru, 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce, and 1 Tbsp minced garlic as measured. Stir everything once to combine the seasonings.
Step 6
Adding too much plain water can make the stew too dilute. Pour in just enough water to cover the ingredients generously. About 1.5 to 2 cups should be sufficient. Adjust the amount of water based on your pot size and the quantity of ingredients.
Step 7
Cover the pot and simmer over medium-low heat until the potatoes are cooked through, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Remember to lift the lid occasionally and stir to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.
Step 8
Lift the lid and check if the potatoes are cooked by piercing them with a fork or chopstick. They should be tender and easily pierced when done.
Step 9
Once the potatoes are sufficiently cooked, add the chopped green onion and Cheongyang chili peppers. Continue to simmer uncovered for about 5 more minutes. This step allows the fresh flavors of the green onion and the spiciness of the chili peppers to infuse into the stew.
Step 10
We’re almost done! Doesn’t the thick, reduced broth and the tender ingredients look incredibly delicious? Finally, sprinkle a pinch of black pepper to enhance the aroma. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add 1/2 Tbsp of sugar, but the natural sweetness from the Spam and potatoes is often enough, so taste it first before deciding. Jjageuli is best when simmered until deeply flavored!
