Super Easy Spam Gang Doenjang Ssam Bap: A Perfect Home Meal
This is a quick and easy recipe for Gang Doenjang (강된장) Ssam Bap using Spam, cabbage, and tofu. Enjoy a hearty meal with the savory flavor of Spam combined with the mildness of tofu. It's also easy to store, making it highly recommended for solo dwellers.
📝 Editor's Notes
The Super Easy Spam Gang Doenjang (강된장) Ssam Bap is a perfect and nutritious meal for solo dwellers, quickly prepared in about 30 minutes using Spam, cabbage, and tofu.
The savory umami of Spam harmonizes with the mildness of tofu, creating a deep and rich flavor.
When wrapped in steamed cabbage, it offers a fresh and healthy way to enjoy your meal.
It's especially recommended for those with busy lifestyles who want to maintain healthy eating habits, as it's hearty and easy to store.
This versatile dish can be reheated and enjoyed warmly at any time, making it suitable for all seasons.
🛒 Ingredient Tips
Spam, among canned hams, adds a deep flavor to Gang Doenjang (강된장) with its unique savory taste and soft texture.
To remove it cleanly from the can, gently press the sides of the can or immerse it in warm water for a short while for easy separation.
For cabbage, it's best to choose one with fresh green outer leaves, that feels firm, and is tightly packed when cut.
While its peak season is from autumn to winter, fresh cabbage is now available year-round.
For tofu, selecting products made with domestic soybeans will provide a richer and milder flavor.
Medium-firm tofu, not too hard, blends well with Gang Doenjang (강된장).
🔄 Substitution Guide
Instead of Spam, you can use other canned hams or ground pork.
Canned ham offers a similar savory taste to Spam, but using ground pork provides a milder flavor and the natural taste of meat.
In this case, it's best to stir-fry the pork first to render enough fat, which will enhance the flavor of the Gang Doenjang (강된장).
Instead of cabbage, other leafy greens like kale or lettuce can be used for wrapping.
If you prefer a crunchy texture, blanched broccoli or cauliflower can also be good substitutes.
Replacing tofu with mashed potatoes will result in a thicker and smoother Gang Doenjang (강된장), but keep in mind that the protein content will be reduced.
🥘 Ingredients
👨🍳 Cooking Points
The most crucial cooking point in this recipe is to thoroughly crush and stir-fry the Spam.
By crushing the Spam vigorously by hand and pan-frying it until golden brown, the Spam's flavor will spread evenly throughout the Gang Doenjang (강된장), creating a deeper taste.
Secondly, consider the ratio of doenjang (된장) to ssamjang (쌈장).
While a 1:1 ratio is standard, if you dislike the sweetness of ssamjang (쌈장), you can increase the proportion of doenjang (된장) to emphasize a richer, more savory flavor.
Finally, when simmering the Gang Doenjang (강된장), reduce it over medium-low heat until the liquid has almost evaporated and it thickens.
Be careful not to simmer over too high heat, as it may burn, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom.
👨🍳 Directions
Place 1/4 head of cabbage and some water in a microwave-safe container. Cover with plastic wrap, poke a few holes, and microwave for 7 minutes to steam the cabbage.
Thoroughly crush 1 can of Spam by hand, then add it to a pan and stir-fry.
Add ssamjang (쌈장) and doenjang (된장) in a 1:1 ratio to the crushed Spam and stir-fry. If desired, add 1 minced onion and 2 shiitake mushrooms and continue to stir-fry. For a spicier flavor, add gochugaru (고춧가루) to taste.
Pour in enough water to just cover the ingredients, then crush 1 block of tofu by hand and add it. Simmer until the liquid reduces and the mixture thickens, completing the Spam Gang Doenjang (강된장).
Serve the finished Spam Gang Doenjang (강된장) with warm rice and steamed cabbage, enjoying it as Ssam Bap (쌈밥).
💡 Tips
For a clean removal of canned ham from its can, press the sides of the can or submerge it in warm water for a short time to easily separate it.
The completed Spam Gang Doenjang (강된장) can be stored in the refrigerator and conveniently reheated in the microwave whenever you want to eat it.
If you desire a richer Spam flavor, it's best to reduce the amount of tofu to balance the flavor of the Gang Doenjang (강된장).
📦 Storage & Reuse
The finished Spam Gang Doenjang (강된장) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
If you wish to store it longer, it's a good idea to portion it into single servings and freeze it.
When frozen, it can be stored for about 2 weeks.
To eat, reheat refrigerated Gang Doenjang (강된장) in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or warm it over low heat on the stovetop.
For frozen Gang Doenjang (강된장), thaw it in the refrigerator beforehand or use the microwave's defrost function before reheating for convenience.
Leftover Gang Doenjang (강된장) can be used in various ways, such as mixing it with rice or adding it to ramen for an extra savory flavor.
🥢 Who This Is For
This super easy Spam Gang Doenjang (강된장) Ssam Bap is especially recommended for busy solo dwellers or anyone looking for a hearty meal.
It's easy to make and store, so you can prepare it in advance and enjoy a healthy meal conveniently anytime.
Good complementary dishes include mild soups like seaweed soup (미역국) or soybean sprout soup (콩나물국), and crunchy side dishes like seasoned cucumber salad (오이무침) or kkakdugi (깍두기, diced radish kimchi).
It also makes an excellent snack or accompaniment with a glass of makgeolli (막걸리, Korean rice wine).
🔥 Nutrition Info
This Spam Gang Doenjang (강된장) Ssam Bap provides approximately 450-550 kcal per serving.
It offers about 25-35g of protein and 30-40g of fat from Spam and tofu, along with about 40-50g of carbohydrates from cabbage and rice.
Cabbage is particularly rich in vitamins U and K, aiding stomach health, and high in dietary fiber, which improves digestive function.
Tofu is rich in plant-based protein, calcium, and iron, contributing to bone health and preventing anemia.
As Spam has a relatively high sodium content, it's advisable to prepare other side dishes with less salt to manage sodium intake.
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