Savory Spam and Cabbage Rice Bowl
Super Easy Spam and Cabbage Rice Bowl: The Ultimate One-Bowl Meal, Spam Galbi-Style Rice Bowl Recipe
Hello everyone! This is Jina, your cooking enthusiast. Today, we’re making a restaurant-worthy ‘Spam and Cabbage Rice Bowl’ right at home! We’ll make intricate cuts into the Spam, like honeycomb pork belly, to let a sweet and savory sauce soak in. Then, mix it with crisp cabbage for an explosion of umami flavor! It’s a step above regular Spam dishes, boasting a rich flavor reminiscent of Korean braised ribs (‘galbi’). It’s simple yet elegant, and a satisfying meal that will fill you up. Let’s get cooking!
Main Ingredients- 1 can Spam (340g)
- 2 handfuls Cabbage (approx. 150g)
- 2 Tbsp Scallions (chopped, or white part of green onion)
- 1 medium Onion
- 2 Eggs
- 2 Perilla leaves
Flavorful Sauce Ingredients (Measurements based on adult tablespoons)- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin)
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (or Anchovy Sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- 4 Tbsp Water
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin)
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (or Anchovy Sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- 4 Tbsp Water
- Pinch of Black Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare all the ingredients needed to make this delicious Spam and Cabbage Rice Bowl. Having everything washed and prepped beforehand will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
Slice the Spam into approximately 1cm thick pieces. Slicing them too thinly might cause them to break apart, so maintaining a good thickness is recommended.
Step 3
Blanch the sliced Spam in boiling water. This step helps to remove excess salt and impurities, resulting in a cleaner taste and a more tender texture.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the accompanying ingredients that will add depth to our rice bowl. Peel and thinly slice the medium onion.
Step 5
Wash and thoroughly dry the 2 perilla leaves, then slice them thinly. The aromatic flavor of perilla leaves complements the richness of the Spam beautifully.
Step 6
Similarly, thinly slice the cabbage. For a nice crisp texture, avoid slicing them too thinly. With the prep work done, we’re almost ready to start cooking!
Step 7
Now for the special touch to make the Spam taste like ‘galbi’! Place chopsticks alongside the Spam. On one side, make uniform, dense cuts along the length of the Spam. The chopsticks will help you control the depth of the cuts.
Step 8
On the opposite side, make diagonal, criss-cross cuts, also densely. These intricate cuts allow the sauce to penetrate deeply, infusing the Spam with incredible flavor.
Step 9
Heat a lightly oiled pan. Add the chopped scallions (or green onion) and stir-fry until fragrant. Then, add the thinly sliced onion and sauté until translucent, allowing its sweetness to meld with the aromatics.
Step 10
Add the shredded cabbage to the pan and stir-fry everything together. It’s important to cook the cabbage until it’s slightly softened but still retains some crispness. Season with a pinch of black pepper to enhance the flavors.
Step 11
Push the sautéed cabbage and onion mixture to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble them. These scrambled eggs will be a delicious addition on top of the rice.
Step 12
When making scrambled eggs, use a soft spatula or silicone scraper to gently stir and cook the eggs. This prevents sticking and creates fluffy curds that blend well with the other ingredients.
Step 13
Now, let’s grill the Spam in the sauce. Lightly pat the blanched Spam dry with a paper towel. Pan-fry it in a lightly oiled pan until golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. This adds a wonderful texture.
Step 14
We’re now going to glaze the perfectly grilled Spam with our special ‘galbi-style’ sauce! (Measurements are based on adult tablespoons.) Start with 1 Tbsp of soy sauce.
Step 15
Next, add 1 Tbsp of cooking wine (mirin) to eliminate any gamey smell from the Spam and enhance its flavor.
Step 16
Add 1 Tbsp of fish sauce for maximum umami. This adds a depth of flavor that soy sauce alone can’t achieve.
Step 17
For a nutty aroma, add 1 Tbsp of sesame oil.
Step 18
Add 1 Tbsp of sugar for a touch of sweetness. This completes the perfect sweet and savory balance.
Step 19
An unexpected but delightful addition: 1 Tbsp of mayonnaise for richness and a smoother texture. This makes the sauce even more luxurious.
Step 20
Finally, add 4 Tbsp of water and mix all the sauce ingredients well. Add the Spam to the pan and simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the Spam beautifully. Be careful not to burn it.
Step 21
We’re almost there! Place a bowl of steamed rice onto your serving plate. This will be the hearty base for our delicious topping.
Step 22
Generously top the rice with the sautéed cabbage mixture, followed by the glazed Spam. Finish with a sprinkle of thinly sliced perilla leaves and sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation of your ‘Spam and Cabbage Rice Bowl’! 🙂
Step 23
Voila! Your ‘Spam and Cabbage Rice Bowl’ is ready, bursting with sweet and savory flavors and a rich umami taste that truly resembles galbi. Enjoy your meal! ><
