There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that warms you from the inside out, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in this Spicy Korean Potato and Spam Stew, or Gamja Jjageuli. I remember the first time I was swept away by its rich aroma—the savory blend of sautéed spam mingling with tender potatoes and spices, hinting at the cold evening that lay ahead.
This stew is a revelation, perfect for those busy weeknights when fast food just won’t cut it. With simple ingredients that fit snugly within any budget, you can whip up this Korean classic in just 35 minutes. Imagine sitting down to a hearty bowl of this spiced goodness, the broth clinging lovingly to each morsel as you serve it over fluffy rice. It’s not just a meal; it’s a delightful respite that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
Let’s dive into this quick, flavorful journey that promises to become a staple in your home-cooked repertoire!
Why is Korean Potato and Spam Stew a Must-Try?
Comforting Warmth: This stew feels like a cozy embrace, perfect for chilly nights or whenever you crave something nurturing.
Quick to Make: With just 35 minutes, you can savor a homemade meal, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Using simple, economical ingredients, this dish ensures you stay within budget while enjoying a hearty meal.
Flavor Packed: The delicious combination of savory spam, tender potatoes, and spices creates a mouthwatering broth that’s irresistible.
Versatile Recipe: Feel free to swap out ingredients; you can easily adjust it based on what you have on hand, making it truly customizable!
Crowd-Pleaser: This stew is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, guaranteeing smiles around the table as everyone digs in!
If you’re looking for more cozy options, check out our budget-friendly weeknight meals.
Korean Potato and Spam Stew Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need to create this comforting dish!
For the Stew
- Large Potatoes – The heart of this dish, providing bulk and thickness; you can swap them with sweet potatoes for a sweet twist.
- Onion – Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the broth; shallots work great as a substitute for a milder flavor.
- Spicy Peppers (Serrano/Jalapeño) – Infuses the stew with a delightful heat; for less spice, try bell peppers instead.
- Green Onion (Scallions) – Brings freshness and brightness; you can use regular onions if scallions are not available.
- Spam (6 oz) – A salty, savory addition that enriches the stew; feel free to use turkey spam or tofu for a lighter version.
- Water (2 cups) – Acts as the base for the broth; chicken or vegetable broth adds a deeper flavor.
- Minced Garlic (1 Tbsp) – Provides aromatic goodness; fresh garlic is best, but powdered works too.
- Soy Sauce (2 ½ Tbsp) – Enhances the savoriness with umami; use tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
- Gochugaru (Korean Red Pepper Flakes, 2 Tbsp) – Adds spiciness and vibrant color; cayenne pepper can substitute for a different heat.
- Gochujang (Korean Red Pepper Paste, 1 Tbsp) – Contributes depth and a hint of sweetness; opt for Sriracha if you need a substitute, though it’s less sweet.
- Sugar (½ Tbsp) – Balances the heat and acidity; consider coconut sugar or honey for a unique sweetness.
- Dwenjang (Soy Bean Paste, ½ Tbsp) – Offers an earthy, fermented flavor; miso paste is a fitting alternative.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to savor a delightful bowl of Korean Potato and Spam Stew that embodies warmth and comfort!
How to Make Korean Potato and Spam Stew
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Prep Vegetables: Start by cutting your large potatoes into matchbox sticks. Slice the onion, and chop the spicy peppers and green onions. This preparation takes about 10 minutes, giving you all the fresh ingredients ready to go!
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Layer Ingredients: In a medium pot, place your potato sticks at the bottom. Next, layer the sliced onions and chopped spicy peppers, creating a colorful base. Then, take your spam, smash it down a bit, and layer it right on top for that savory kick!
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Add Green Onions and Sauce: Sprinkle the chopped green onions over your layered ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, gochugaru, gochujang, minced garlic, sugar, and dwenjang until well combined. Pour this flavorful sauce over everything in the pot.
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Add Water: Pour 2 cups of water into the pot until all the ingredients are completely submerged. This will create a rich broth that ties everything together beautifully!
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Bring to Boil: Place the pot on the stove over medium heat. Keep an eye on it until it reaches a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender but not overly soft.
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Serve: Ladle the steaming hot stew into bowls and serve it over fluffy, steaming rice. This combination will make every spoonful a delightful experience!
Optional: Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil before serving for extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Korean Potato and Spam Stew Variations
Feel free to play around with these ideas and truly make this dish your own!
- Sweet Potato Swap: Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness and a boost of nutrients.
- Vegetable Medley: Add vibrant vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
- Tofu Alternative: Swap out spam for diced tofu to craft a vegetarian-friendly version that’s just as hearty.
- Broth Upgrade: Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for an extra depth of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Heat Level Adjustments: Increase or decrease the amount of gochugaru or gochujang based on your spice preference; start small and adjust!
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley at the end for a burst of freshness that lightens up the dish.
- Mushroom Boost: Toss in sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor that complements the savory elements beautifully.
- Noodle Addition: Serve over cooked noodles instead of rice for a fun twist and a different comfort-food experience.
Each of these variations offers a new take on the classic comfort of Korean Potato and Spam Stew, inviting you to explore and delight in new flavors!
Storage Tips for Korean Potato and Spam Stew
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s well-sealed to keep that delicious flavor intact.
Freezer: If you’d like to keep any stew longer, freeze it in individual portions. It retains quality for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat!
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, gently reheat in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if the stew thickens too much during storage.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the stew out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
What to Serve with Korean Potato and Spam Stew?
Experience the joy of complementing this rich stew with delightful sides and beverages that enhance its comforting flavors.
- Steamed white rice: The ultimate pairing, this fluffy rice absorbs the stew’s rich broth, creating a heavenly bite every time.
- Kimchi: This tangy and spicy fermented side adds a crunchy contrast, balancing the stew’s warmth beautifully. It’s a classic accompaniment!
- Crispy pickled radish: The crispiness and slight sweetness provide a refreshing crunch that cuts through the dish’s richness, making each spoonful more exciting.
- Korean pancake (Jeon): Lightly crispy and savory, these pancakes add texture while soaking up the stew’s delicious sauce, resulting in a mouthwatering combo.
- Sesame spinach salad: The earthy flavors and contrasting textures of the tender spinach salad complement the stew’s heartiness nicely, adding a fresh touch.
- Korean fried chicken: Crispy on the outside and tender inside, this indulgent side pairs well, ideal for a fun family-style meal.
- Chilled Korean rice drink (Sikhye): This sweet, refreshing beverage provides an enjoyable contrast to the spicy stew, cleansing your palate perfectly after each bite.
- Fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing end to the meal, balancing spices with natural sweetness for a delightful conclusion.
- Napa cabbage slaw: The crunchiness of the slaw provides a lovely textural contrast and a light, refreshing element to this hearty meal.
Make Ahead Options
This Spicy Korean Potato and Spam Stew, or Gamja Jjageuli, is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the vegetables, like cutting the potatoes, slicing the onion, and chopping the spicy peppers, up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. If you’re looking to make the stew even easier, you can layer all the ingredients in the pot (excluding the water and sauce) and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply add water, mix the sauce ingredients, and heat it all together for a deliciously comforting meal that feels just as fresh as the day you made it!
Expert Tips for Korean Potato and Spam Stew
- Simmer Longer: For richer flavors, allow the stew to simmer for up to 15-20 minutes. More simmering time deepens the taste of Korean Potato and Spam Stew.
- Texture Matters: Avoid overcooking the potatoes; aim for tender yet firm pieces. They should hold their shape and not turn mushy.
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to toss in additional veggies like carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition and variety. They enhance flavor and texture.
- Spice Control: Adjust the amount of gochugaru or gochujang to match your spice tolerance. Start with less if you’re unsure, then add to taste.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve flavor and texture.
Korean Potato and Spam Stew Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best potatoes for this stew?
Absolutely! Look for large, firm potatoes without any dark spots or blemishes. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work great because they hold their shape well when cooked. If you want a sweeter flavor, consider using sweet potatoes instead—they add a lovely twist to the dish!
Can I store leftovers of Korean Potato and Spam Stew?
Yes, indeed! Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s tightly sealed to preserve the flavors. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just gently reheat it on the stove. The flavors often deepen, making it even tastier!
What are the freezing instructions for this stew?
Great question! To freeze your Korean Potato and Spam Stew, allow it to cool completely. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags in individual portions. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove. You may want to add a splash of water if it’s too thick after freezing.
What if my potatoes turn mushy?
Don’t worry, it happens! If you accidentally overcook your potatoes, they’ll get mushy in the stew. To avoid this, monitor them closely during the simmering step and check for doneness after about 10 minutes. You want them tender but still holding their shape. If you prefer softer potatoes, you can let them simmer longer, but keep an eye on them for a desired texture.
Is this stew pet-friendly or safe for allergies?
While it’s packed with delicious ingredients, Korean Potato and Spam Stew is not ideal for pets due to its seasoning and a high sodium content from soy sauce and spam. For allergies, be cautious with ingredients like soy and gluten in soy sauce and dwenjang. To make it gluten-free, opt for tamari instead of soy sauce and leave out any spicy elements if you’re concerned about sensitivities.
Can I make this stew vegetarian or vegan? If so, how?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian or vegan version of Korean Potato and Spam Stew, you can replace the spam with firm tofu, which will absorb the flavors beautifully. Use vegetable broth instead of water to enhance the taste, and swap dwenjang for miso paste if you want to stick to plant-based ingredients. Add a medley of colorful veggies—like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers—to amp up the nutrition and flavor!
Bold Korean Potato and Spam Stew that Warms Your Soul
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by cutting your large potatoes into matchbox sticks. Slice the onion, and chop the spicy peppers and green onions. This preparation takes about 10 minutes.
- In a medium pot, place your potato sticks at the bottom. Next, layer the sliced onions and chopped spicy peppers. Then, take your spam, smash it down a bit, and layer it right on top.
- Sprinkle the chopped green onions over your layered ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, gochugaru, gochujang, minced garlic, sugar, and dwenjang until well combined. Pour this flavorful sauce over everything in the pot.
- Pour 2 cups of water into the pot until all the ingredients are completely submerged.
- Place the pot on the stove over medium heat. Keep an eye until it reaches a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender but not overly soft.
- Ladle the steaming hot stew into bowls and serve it over fluffy, steaming rice.