Spicy and Savory Spam Tofu Stew: A Perfect Rice Companion
The Ultimate Side Dish! A Deliciously Spicy Spam and Tofu Stew Recipe
Spam has been making waves in various dishes lately, from tteokbokki and stews to stir-fries. Today, we’re elevating it by adding tofu to create a hearty Spam Tofu Stew. This dish boasts a perfectly balanced spicy and savory flavor that’s incredibly addictive with rice. It’s a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying meal!
Main Ingredients
- Tofu 300g (firm or stewing tofu)
- Spam 200g (1 can)
- Green onion 1 stalk
- Onion 1/2 medium
- Korean chili pepper 2 pcs
Seasoning Ingredients
- Cooking oil 2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 2 Tbsp
- Soy sauce 2.5 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Black pepper 1/8 tsp
- Water 1 cup (200ml)
- Cooking oil 2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 2 Tbsp
- Soy sauce 2.5 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Black pepper 1/8 tsp
- Water 1 cup (200ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the ingredients: 300g of tofu, 200g (1 can) of Spam, 1 green onion, 1/2 onion, and 2 Korean chili peppers. Wash and prepare all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 2
Cut the prepared tofu into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 to 2cm thick. Cutting them larger helps prevent them from breaking apart during cooking and improves the texture.
Step 3
Gently pat the surface of the cut tofu dry with paper towels. This step helps prevent oil splatter when frying and ensures the tofu gets a crispier sear.
Step 4
Peel the onion and slice it into roughly 1cm thick pieces. Sliced onions will release their sweetness as they cook, enhancing the overall flavor of the stew.
Step 5
Slice the green onion diagonally into about 0.5cm thick pieces, including both the white and green parts. This slicing method helps the onion impart its flavor and aroma effectively.
Step 6
Remove the stems from the Korean chili peppers and thinly slice them into about 0.3cm rounds. If you enjoy a spicier dish, leave the seeds in. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds before slicing.
Step 7
Heat 2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the dried tofu pieces and pan-fry until golden brown on both sides. A nice golden sear adds a wonderful nutty flavor and texture.
Step 8
In a pot for simmering, place the pan-fried tofu at the bottom. Then, arrange the prepared onion, green onion, and chili peppers on top of the tofu.
Step 9
Open the Spam can and cut it into cubes or mash it with a spoon. Distribute the Spam evenly over the vegetables in the pot. Mashing the Spam helps it meld better with the sauce and flavors.
Step 10
Add all the seasoning ingredients to the pot: 1 cup of water, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 2.5 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Step 11
Once the stew begins to boil, use a spoon or ladle to baste the liquid from the pot over the tofu and vegetables. This process ensures that all ingredients absorb the flavors evenly, deepening the taste.
Step 12
When the stew is bubbling vigorously, reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer for about 5 more minutes, either covered or uncovered, until the ingredients are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Your delicious Spam Tofu Stew is ready!
Step 13
Serve this flavorful stew hot with a bowl of rice. It’s so satisfying that you won’t need many other side dishes. This spicy and savory Spam Tofu Stew is a true ‘rice thief’ – perfect for when you need an appetite booster. Enjoy your meal!
