Sweet & Savory Spam and Potato Stew Recipe
Easy and Delicious Spam and Potato Stew Made with Canned Ham
A hearty and flavorful stew made with Spam, a pantry staple, and fresh, seasonal potatoes. This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect as a side for rice or as a delectable snack with a cold beer. Give this easy Spam and Potato Stew a try!
Spam and Potato Stew- 1 can Spam (approx. 200g)
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1/2 stalk green onion
- 1 cup water (200ml)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup or oligosaccharide
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste) – omit for child-friendly version
- Pinch of sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 0.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes – omit for child-friendly version
- Pinch of salt (for seasoning adjustment)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the potatoes, the star of our delicious Spam and Potato Stew. Peel the potatoes thoroughly.
Step 2
Dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Cubes that are easy to eat in one bite will absorb the sauce better and make the dish more enjoyable.
Step 3
Soak the diced potatoes in cold water for about 10 minutes. This process removes excess starch, preventing the potatoes from breaking apart during cooking and ensuring a cleaner texture.
Step 4
Next, let’s prepare the Spam. I’m using a smaller can here, but feel free to use a larger one if you prefer a richer flavor.
Step 5
Dice the Spam into cubes, similar in size to the potatoes. Keeping the ingredient sizes uniform helps them cook at the same rate and makes the dish visually appealing.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the delicious stew sauce! In a bowl, combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp oyster sauce, 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or oligosaccharide), 1 Tbsp sugar, 0.5 Tbsp gochujang, and 0.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes. Mix well. If you’re making this dish for children, you can omit the gochujang and red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.
Step 7
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a wide pan. Add the diced potatoes and stir-fry until they are lightly golden brown. This step adds a wonderful flavor as the potato surfaces begin to brown.
Step 8
Continue stir-frying the potatoes thoroughly. If you’re using fresh, new potatoes, they cook quite quickly, so aim to sauté them until the edges become slightly translucent.
Step 9
Once the potatoes are about halfway cooked, add all of the prepared sauce mixture to the pan. Reduce the heat to low. From this point on, stir occasionally and simmer gently to prevent the sauce from burning.
Step 10
Simmer until the sauce is well absorbed into the potatoes and they are fully tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The stew is ready when the sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients with a glossy sheen.
Step 11
When the potatoes are tender, add the diced Spam to the pan and stir-fry together. The Spam will release its own fat as it cooks, so you won’t need to add extra oil.
Step 12
Finally, add the chopped green onions and stir-fry briefly. If you have an onion on hand, you can slice and add it as well for a touch of sweetness!
Step 13
Once all the ingredients are well combined and deliciously stewed, turn off the heat. It’s almost ready!
Step 14
After turning off the heat, stir in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and a pinch of sesame seeds. The residual heat will meld the flavors and add a nutty aroma, completing your delectable Spam and Potato Stew. Enjoy this magical dish that will have you reaching for another bowl of rice!
