Spam and Kabocha Squash Stew: A Flavorful Jjajgeuri
Spam & Kabocha Squash Jjajgeuri – A ‘Clean Out The Fridge’ Recipe
This is a rich and flavorful jjajgeuri made with plenty of spam, sweet kabocha squash, and fluffy potatoes, inspired by Baek Jong-won’s recipe. The savory spam and sweet vegetables create a magical taste that will make you finish a bowl of rice in no time! It’s also a perfect ‘fridge clean-out’ recipe using leftover ingredients, so be sure to try it. A taste that everyone from young to old will love, highly recommended!
Main Ingredients- 1 mini kabocha squash (approx. 300-400g)
- 2 potatoes (medium-sized)
- 1 can (200g) Spam
- 1 onion (medium-sized)
- 1 stalk green onion
- 500ml chicken broth (or anchovy broth, or water)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (red chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (red chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 Tbsp perilla seed powder
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (red chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (red chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 Tbsp perilla seed powder
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the kabocha squash thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized pieces (about 2cm chunks) with the skin on. Cooking with the skin on makes it more nutritious and visually appealing.
Step 2
Peel the potatoes and cut them into chunks about 1cm thick, similar to the kabocha squash. Be careful not to cut them too thinly, as they might break apart while simmering.
Step 3
Peel and cut the onion into thick pieces, about 1cm in size. Cutting them coarsely, rather than thinly slicing, adds a pleasant texture and deepens the broth’s flavor.
Step 4
Remove the Spam from the can and mash it using a fork or spoon. Mashing it before adding allows the seasoning to be absorbed evenly, resulting in a much tastier dish compared to adding it in chunks.
Step 5
Place the mashed Spam in a bowl. Add 1 Tbsp doenjang, 1 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, and 1 Tbsp oyster sauce.
Step 6
Gently mix the seasoning ingredients with the Spam using your hands. Ensure the seasoning coats the Spam evenly. Marinating it beforehand will allow the flavors to meld more deeply during cooking.
Step 7
Prepare a pot or wok with high sides. Place the cut kabocha squash and potatoes at the bottom.
Step 8
Pour in the 500ml of chicken broth (or anchovy broth, or water). The liquid should generously cover the ingredients.
Step 9
Place the pot over high heat and bring it to a boil. Once the broth is boiling, add all the marinated Spam.
Step 10
Next, add the coarsely chopped onion. After adding the Spam and onion, give it a stir to combine everything well.
Step 11
Reduce the heat to medium and cover the pot. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes and kabocha squash are fully cooked and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom. Once the vegetables are cooked, add the diagonally sliced green onion and simmer for another minute before turning off the heat. Your delicious Spam Jjajgeuri is ready!
