Spicy and Hearty Spam Gochujang Stew Recipe
The Quintessential Korean Comfort Food: How to Make Spam Gochujang Stew
Hearty and comforting stew dishes are a staple in Korean cuisine, perfect for any season, whether it’s hot or cold. Among these, the spicy and refreshing Gochujang Stew is a true rice-lover’s delight! Today, we’ll show you how to make a rich and flavorful Spam Gochujang Stew using everyone’s favorite canned ham, Spam. You can create a wonderful meal with simple ingredients. Let’s make your dining table more delicious with Spam Gochujang Stew, a dish with an irresistible charm that will have you finishing a bowl of rice in no time!
Stew Ingredients- 1 can Spam (approx. 200g)
- 1/2 onion
- 1 medium potato
- 1/2 zucchini
- 1/3 pack oyster mushrooms
- 1/2 pack enoki mushrooms
- 1/2 block firm tofu (approx. 150g)
- 1/2 bunch green onions
- 1 chili pepper (e.g., Cheongyang or red chili)
- 500mL water (approx. 2 cups)
- 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce for soup or fish sauce (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of salt (for seasoning)
Anchovy and Kelp Broth (Optional)- 6 dried anchovies for broth
- 2 pieces dried kelp (approx. 5x5cm)
Spicy Gochujang Paste Mixture- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce or regular soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 1/3 tsp black pepper
- 4 Tbsp water (for mixing paste)
- 6 dried anchovies for broth
- 2 pieces dried kelp (approx. 5x5cm)
Spicy Gochujang Paste Mixture- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce or regular soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 1/3 tsp black pepper
- 4 Tbsp water (for mixing paste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the vegetables for the stew. Dice the onion, potato, and zucchini into roughly 1.5cm cubes. Cut the green onions into 5cm lengths. Tear or cut the oyster and enoki mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Finely mince the chili pepper, which will add a spicy kick. Cutting all ingredients to similar sizes ensures even cooking and a pleasing presentation.
Step 2
Dice the Spam and tofu into approximately 1.5cm cubes, similar in size to the vegetables. The Spam will release its flavorful fat as it cooks, enriching the broth.
Step 3
Let’s make the seasoning paste that is key to the deep flavor of the Gochujang Stew. In a bowl, combine the gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, minced garlic, cooking wine, and black pepper. Add 4 tablespoons of water and mix well until smooth and lump-free. Your delicious seasoning paste is ready.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the base broth. Pour 500mL of water into a pot and add the anchovy and kelp sachet (or dried anchovies and kelp). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes to extract the flavor. Remove and discard the anchovies and kelp. (You can skip this step and use plain water if preferred.)
Step 5
Add the prepared gochujang paste mixture to the broth and stir well to dissolve. Let it come to a gentle boil, ensuring the paste is evenly distributed.
Step 6
Now, add the star ingredient, Spam, to the stew. Simmer for about 3 minutes first. This allows the Spam’s savory flavor and saltiness to infuse into the broth, creating a richer taste.
Step 7
Add all the prepared vegetables except the minced chili and tofu (onion, potato, zucchini, mushrooms) to the pot. Cook over medium heat for 6 minutes until the vegetables are tender. The potatoes will release some starch as they cook, which will slightly thicken the stew.
Step 8
Once the vegetables are somewhat tender, add the tofu. Taste the stew and if it needs more seasoning, add soup soy sauce or salt according to your preference. Remember that Spam is already salty, so it’s important to adjust the seasoning carefully.
Step 9
Finally, add the minced chili pepper and simmer for another moment. Your spicy and refreshing Spam Gochujang Stew is complete! Doesn’t the hearty appearance make your mouth water? With a bowl of this stew and a serving of freshly cooked rice, you won’t need any other side dishes. Enjoy your delicious meal with Spam Gochujang Stew today!
