Spam Tofu Braise: A Spicy and Delicious Side Dish
Simple Spam Tofu Braise Recipe: Making a Flavorful Tofu Side Dish
Learn how to make a simple and delicious Spam Tofu Braise, a perfect side dish that’s hearty and satisfying. This recipe combines soft tofu, savory Spam, and a touch of kimchi for a spicy kick, making it an irresistible meal. It’s not just a fantastic side dish for rice but also a great companion for a relaxing drink. We’ll guide you through making this delightful dish, including the best sauce for Spam Tofu Kimchi Braise. This recipe uses standard measuring cups and spoons, where 1 tablespoon (Tbsp) equals 15ml and 1 cup equals 200ml.
Main Ingredients- 1 block Firm Tofu (320g)
- 1 can Spam (approx. 200g)
- 1/4 head Napa Cabbage Kimchi (or 1 segment)
- 1/2 Onion
- 1 Green Chili Pepper (like Cheongyang)
- 2 Shishito Peppers (or similar small green peppers)
- 1 Red Chili Pepper
- 10cm segment Green Onion
Sauce Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (15ml)
- 1 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (or Fish Sauce) (15ml)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes) (15ml)
- 0.7 Tbsp Minced Garlic (approx. 10ml)
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (or Syrup) (15ml)
- 1.5 cups Dashi Broth (or Anchovy Broth) (300ml)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (15ml)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (15ml)
- 1 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (or Fish Sauce) (15ml)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes) (15ml)
- 0.7 Tbsp Minced Garlic (approx. 10ml)
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (or Syrup) (15ml)
- 1.5 cups Dashi Broth (or Anchovy Broth) (300ml)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (15ml)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, slice the firm tofu into thick pieces, about 1.5 to 2 cm thick. Slice the Spam similarly, matching the tofu’s thickness. For the vegetables, dice the onion coarsely. Slice the green chili, shishito peppers, and red chili pepper diagonally. Chop the green onion into large pieces.
Step 2
Chop the kimchi into bite-sized pieces to add a spicy flavor. If you prefer more heat, you can add a little kimchi juice to the braise.
Step 3
To make the Spam more palatable and less greasy, briefly blanch it in hot water. Dip the Spam in boiling water for about a minute, then remove and drain.
Step 4
In a shallow pot or pan, arrange the sliced tofu in a single layer, avoiding overlap. Place the blanched Spam on top. In the center, arrange the chopped kimchi. Finally, layer the prepared vegetables like onions and peppers over the tofu and Spam.
Step 5
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), and soy sauce. These form the base of our flavorful sauce.
Step 6
Add the anchovy sauce and plum extract to the bowl. Pour in 1.5 cups of dashi broth (or anchovy broth). Whisk all the sauce ingredients together until well combined, creating a smooth and delicious braising liquid.
Step 7
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the ingredients in the pot, ensuring it covers the tofu and Spam. Make sure the sauce gets into all the nooks and crannies.
Step 8
Finally, drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over everything and sprinkle with a pinch of black pepper. Cover the pot and simmer over medium-low heat for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly. This will result in a perfectly braised, spicy, and flavorful Spam Tofu Braise.
Step 9
This Spam Tofu Braise, with its harmonious blend of kimchi, Spam, and tofu, is perfect as a hearty main dish or a delicious accompaniment to drinks. Served over hot rice, it’s incredibly satisfying!
Step 10
Serve the braise directly from the pot at the table for a rustic feel. You’ll find yourself reaching for refills again and again – it’s so addictive that it might just disappear from the pot in no time! It’s a true rice thief!
