Here's a recipe for Spam Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew with Canned Ham), tailored for an international audience:
Spam Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew with Canned Ham) Recipe
Spam Kimchi Jjigae is a quick and delicious variation of the classic Korean kimchi stew. It's perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients (Serves 2-3):
- 1/4 head (about 300g) well-fermented kimchi, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can (200g) Spam (canned ham), cubed
- 1/2 block tofu, cubed
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 green onion, diagonally sliced
- 1 green chili pepper (optional), diagonally sliced
- 1/2 cup kimchi juice
- 3 cups water or rice water
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Korean chili powder (gochugaru)
- 1 tablespoon Korean soy sauce (gukganjang)
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- A pinch of black pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cut the kimchi, Spam (canned ham), tofu, onion, green onion, and chili pepper as directed.
- Sauté the Kimchi:
- In a pot, sauté the kimchi over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Adding kimchi juice while sauteing kimchi gives deeper flavor.
- Simmer the Stew:
- Pour in the water or rice water, minced garlic, chili powder, and soy sauce.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add Spam and Vegetables:
- Add the Spam (canned ham), onion, green onion, and chili pepper (if using) and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add the tofu and simmer for a few more minutes.
- Season and Serve:
- Add sugar (if using) and black pepper to taste.
- Add salt to taste if needed.
- Important: Add seasoning little by little and adjust to your taste.
- Serve hot with rice.
Tips and Variations:
- Kimchi Juice: Using kimchi juice adds a deeper, more authentic flavor.
- Rice Water: Rice water makes the broth richer and more flavorful.
- Other Proteins: You can substitute Spam with canned tuna or mackerel.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the spiciness.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- If you want deeper flavor, add 1 table spoon of mirin when you add kimchi.
- When boiling the kimchi jjigae, skim off any foam that rises to the surface for a cleaner broth.
Storage:
- Store leftover Spam Kimchi Jjigae in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume it as soon as possible.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Spam Kimchi Jjigae!