Korean Spam
Tofu Stew (Budae Jjigae Style)

Experience ultimate comfort with this vibrant Korean stew, featuring hearty tofu, thick cuts of Spam, and a spicy, bubbling gochujang broth over tender vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 block firm white tofu
• 1 can (340g) Spam
• 1 purple onion
• 1 pack white enoki mushrooms
• 2 yellow potatoes
• 1/2 cup red kimchi
• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp roasted sesame seeds
• 0.5 tbsp white sugar
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp Korean chili paste (gochujang)
• 1 bowl water
• 2 stalks green onions
• to taste red and green chili peppers

Instructions

1. 1Slice the tofu

   

   Place the block of firm tofu on a wooden cutting board. Using a sharp kitchen knife, carefully slice the tofu into thick, uniform rectangular pieces. These hearty blocks will be perfect for soaking up the spicy stew broth.

   Tip: Cut with steady, even pressure to prevent the tofu from crumbling.
2. 2Prepare the spicy base

   

   In a glass bowl, combine one spoonful of chili powder, one spoonful of roasted sesame seeds, half a spoonful of white sugar, two spoonfuls of light soy sauce, one spoonful of sesame oil, and one spoonful of Korean chili paste. Pour a bowl of water into the dry mixture to begin creating your flavorful stew sauce.

   Tip: Using a glass bowl allows you to clearly see when the chili paste is fully incorporated into the water.
3. 3Mix the sauce

   

   Using a wooden spoon, stir the water and seasoning mixture thoroughly. Continue stirring until the Korean chili paste is completely dissolved and the sauce is smooth, evenly combined, and vibrant red.

   Tip: Make sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to incorporate all the chili paste.
4. 4Sauté the aromatics

   

   Heat oil in a shallow stainless steel pan over medium heat. Add the diced purple onions and sauté them using a wooden spoon. Cook until the onions become fragrant and slightly translucent, forming the aromatic base for the stew.

   Tip: Keep the heat moderate to release the onions sweetness without burning them.
5. 5Layer the enoki mushrooms

   

   Once the onions are fragrant, distribute the raw white enoki mushrooms in an even layer over the onions in the pan. This will create a tender, flavorful foundation that absorbs the sauce as it simmers.

   Tip: Gently spread the mushrooms to ensure they cook evenly across the pan.
6. 6Add the potatoes

   

   Place the irregularly cut chunks of raw yellow potatoes into the pan, layering them on top of the enoki mushrooms. These potato chunks will simmer in the spicy sauce until soft and tender.

   Tip: Cut potatoes into similar-sized chunks to ensure they cook through at the same rate.
7. 7Arrange Tofu and Spam

   

   After placing the potato chunks and enoki mushrooms in the pan, neatly arrange the thick blocks of raw tofu and sliced Spam in an alternating circular pattern around the outer edge.

   Tip: Alternating the tofu and Spam ensures that every scoop of the stew contains a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
8. 8Add Kimchi and Aromatics

   

   In the center gap of the arranged ingredients, add the chopped red kimchi and diagonally sliced green onions. Top it off with the sliced red and green chili peppers to infuse the stew with a vibrant, spicy flavor.

   Tip: Adjust the amount of fresh chili peppers based on your preferred spice level.
9. 9Pour the Spicy Sauce

   

   Evenly pour the prepared red chili sauce over all the arranged ingredients in the pan. Make sure the sauce coats the tofu, Spam, and vegetables so everything absorbs the rich seasoning as it cooks.

   Tip: Rinse the sauce bowl with a little splash of water and add it to the pan so no flavorful seasoning is wasted.
10. 10Simmer the spicy stew

    

    Place the conical lid over the pan to trap the heat and steam. Allow the ingredients to simmer for 15 minutes, ensuring the potatoes become tender and the tofu and Spam absorb the spicy, savory flavors of the sauce.

    Tip: Simmering with the lid on is crucial for the potatoes to cook through evenly.
11. 11Simmer and Check Doneness

    

    Let the stew simmer vigorously for about 15 minutes. Use chopsticks or a spoon to gently push aside the tofu and Spam to check that the potatoes have become soft and the mushrooms are fully cooked in the boiling red broth.

    Tip: Letting the stew boil thoroughly allows the potatoes to release starches, thickening the broth while the Spam and tofu soak up the hot, sour, and spicy flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions