Hearty Spam and Tofu Jjageuli (Simmered Stew)
Ultra-Simple Spam and Tofu Jjageuli Recipe: Perfect for a Quick Home-Cooked Meal
This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a delicious Spam and Tofu Jjageuli. It’s a dish that’s perfect as a side for rice or even as a snack with drinks. The savory Spam and soft tofu come together beautifully for a flavorful experience that’s easy for anyone to make.
Main Ingredients
- 1 handful of medium anchovies (gutted)
- 100g Spam (approx. 1/2 of a small can)
- 500g firm tofu (firm or frying tofu recommended)
- 1/2 onion (sliced)
- 1/2 large green onion (cut diagonally)
- 1 chili pepper (cut diagonally, adjust for spiciness)
- 400ml water (using kelp broth will enhance the flavor)
Seasoning Sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp raw sugar or granulated sugar
- 1.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (or soy sauce for soup)
- 1 Tbsp mirin or cooking wine
- 1 Tbsp red pepper paste (gochujang)
- 1/2 Tbsp raw sugar or granulated sugar
- 1.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (or soy sauce for soup)
- 1 Tbsp mirin or cooking wine
- 1 Tbsp red pepper paste (gochujang)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s make a rich and deep anchovy broth. In a pot, combine 1 handful of gutted medium anchovies with 1.5 cups (about 300ml) of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 5 minutes to extract the flavor, then remove the anchovies. (Optional: For an even more umami-rich broth, you can soak and thinly slice dried shiitake mushroom stems and add them to the broth.)
Step 2
Prepare the vegetables that will add flavor to the dish. Slice the onion into thick strips and cut the green onion diagonally. If you prefer a spicier kick, thinly slice the chili pepper diagonally as well.
Step 3
Cut the main ingredients, Spam and tofu, into bite-sized cubes (approximately 2cm squares). In a mixing bowl, combine all the seasoning sauce ingredients: 1/2 Tbsp raw sugar, 1.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp tuna extract, 1 Tbsp mirin, and 1 Tbsp red pepper paste. Mix well to create the delicious sauce beforehand.
Step 4
Start simmering the prepared anchovy broth. Once boiling, add the sliced onions to the broth. To achieve the desired consistency, add another 1/2 cup (about 100ml) of water.
Step 5
As the broth comes to a boil again, carefully add the sliced Spam and tofu. Gently stir to prevent the ingredients from clumping together.
Step 6
Once the Spam and tofu begin to cook, add the pre-sliced green onions and chili peppers. This will add color and a fresh aroma to the stew.
Step 7
Now, add all of the pre-mixed seasoning sauce to the pot. Gently stir with a ladle to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed.
Step 8
Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the sauce thickens to your liking. While simmering, gently stir the jjageuli with a spoon or ladle to help the ingredients absorb the sauce evenly. If the stew becomes too thick, you can add a little cold water to adjust the consistency.
Step 9
Once the sauce has thickened and all the ingredients are well-coated, your delicious Spam and Tofu Jjageuli is ready! Serve it over hot rice for a truly satisfying meal. You can also add a fried egg or some dried seaweed flakes for extra flavor.
