Spicy and Sweet Braised Potatoes (Gamja Jjageuli)
Spicy and Sweet Braised Potatoes (Gamja Jjageuli)
How to Make Delicious Gamja Jjageuli with Spam (Baek’s Recipe Style)
Don’t let those sprouting potatoes go to waste! This recipe for ‘Gamja Jjageuli’ (braised potatoes) uses them up deliciously, combined with the ever-popular Spam for a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s a dish that’s perfect for chilly weather and can easily become a favorite side dish. Inspired by the famous Baek’s recipe, this version adds a personal touch for an even more delightful flavor. Get ready to create a comforting and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with a bowl of steamed rice!
Main Ingredients- 3 medium potatoes
- 1 can Spam
- 1/2 onion
- 2 stalks green onion
- 2 Korean chili peppers (cheongyang)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, peel the potatoes thoroughly. If you don’t have broth, plain water is perfectly fine. For a richer flavor, consider using anchovy-kelp broth or any other preferred stock.
Step 2
Peel and thinly slice the onion. Cut the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Try not to cut them too small, as they might break apart while cooking. Aim for pieces that are easy to eat in one bite.
Step 3
Briefly blanch the Spam in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes to remove excess oil and impurities. Drain the Spam, then place it in a resealable bag. Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a cup to mash the Spam. This step helps to make the dish less greasy and more flavorful.
Step 4
Place the cubed potatoes in a pot, then evenly distribute the mashed Spam over the potatoes.
Step 5
Arrange the sliced onions on top of the potatoes and Spam. Now, add all the seasoning ingredients: minced garlic, gochujang, gochugaru, doenjang, soy sauce, and sugar.
Step 6
Gently mix everything together with a spatula to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed amongst the ingredients. This step is crucial for developing the overall flavor profile.
Step 7
Remove the seeds from the Korean chili peppers and slice them diagonally. Add half of them to the pot, then pour in the broth (or water) until the ingredients are mostly submerged. Adjust the amount of liquid based on how much you want the stew to reduce.
Step 8
Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the potatoes are tender. When the potatoes are almost cooked through, add the remaining sliced green onions and chili peppers, and cook for a few more minutes until the flavors meld together. Your delicious Gamja Jjageuli is ready!
Step 9
With the weather turning cooler and a crisp breeze in the mornings and evenings, especially after a rainy day, a warm and comforting stew like Gamja Jjageuli is incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up from the inside out.
Step 10
When you’re short on side dishes or want a simple yet fulfilling meal, this Gamja Jjageuli is all you need. It’s so flavorful that you won’t need any other side dishes! Enjoy this delicious dish with a bowl of hot rice.
