Tofu and Spam Stew: A Flavorful Korean Comfort Dish
Easy Tofu and Spam Stew (Dubu Spam Jorim)
Indulge in the delightful combination of tender tofu and savory spam, simmered to perfection in a rich, flavorful sauce. This Dubu Spam Jorim is a true Korean comfort food, guaranteed to make your rice disappear! It’s simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Main Ingredients
- 1 block of firm tofu (cut into approximately 2cm thick slices)
- 200g Spam (1 small can, cut into approximately 1cm thick slices)
- Minced green onion, for garnish
Braising Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup or honey)
- 1 Tbsp Cheongju (rice wine or mirin)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup or honey)
- 1 Tbsp Cheongju (rice wine or mirin)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by slicing one block of firm tofu into roughly 2cm thick pieces. Next, cut one small can of Spam (200g) into slices about 1cm thick. (Tip: Spam can be quite salty, so slicing it to a similar thickness as the tofu helps achieve a balanced flavor.)
Step 2
Arrange the sliced tofu and Spam attractively, alternating them in a wide, shallow pan. Pour in enough water to just cover the ingredients.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the delicious braising sauce. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oligodang, 1 tablespoon of cheongju, and 1 tablespoon of fish sauce. Mix well until the sauce is evenly blended.
Step 4
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the tofu and Spam in the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer until the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly, coating the ingredients. (Tip: While your rice is cooking and you’re preparing other side dishes, you can periodically check on the stew to ensure it’s simmering perfectly.)
Step 5
Once most of the liquid has evaporated and the sauce has thickened, garnish generously with finely chopped green onions. You can also add sliced red or green chili peppers at this stage if you like a little heat. Turn off the heat immediately after adding the garnish.
Step 6
Transfer the finished Tofu and Spam Stew to a serving dish. The tofu will be incredibly tender and infused with flavor, while the Spam adds a savory depth. The rendered fat from the Spam contributes a wonderful umami taste, making this dish a perfect accompaniment to a bowl of rice!
