Savory Spam
Kimchi Stew
A comforting, flavor-packed Korean stew featuring mashed Spam and tangy kimchi. This hot, sour, and spicy dish is a perfect, easy weeknight meal for two.
This Spam and Kimchi Stew brings together the deep, umami-rich flavors of Korean home cooking in one simple pot. By mashing the Spam before stir-frying, the meat releases its savory oils to create a robust base that perfectly complements the fermented tang of the kimchi. It is a hearty, straightforward recipe that turns humble pantry staples into a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 can (340g) Spam
- 200 g kimchi
- 1 potato
- 1/2 onion
- 1 block tofu
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 500 ml water
- to taste scallions
- to taste green chili slices
Instructions
- 1Prepare and stir-fry the Spam
Take the Spam out of the can and mash it into a paste. Add the paste to a pot and stir-fry over low heat until the oil is released and the edges turn slightly golden.
Tip: Mashing the Spam helps it incorporate better into the stew, creating a richer base flavor. - 2Sauté with kimchi
Add the kimchi to the pot with the stir-fried Spam. Sauté them together to allow the sour and spicy flavors of the kimchi to blend with the savory Spam.
Tip: Stir-frying the kimchi briefly before adding liquid deepens its flavor significantly. - 3Add water to the base
Pour an appropriate amount of water into the pot containing the sautéed Spam and kimchi mixture to form the base of your stew.
Tip: You can use vegetable stock or anchovy broth instead of water for an even more flavorful soup. - 4Season with minced garlic
Add the prepared minced garlic into the stew to enhance the aroma and depth of the broth.
Tip: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor compared to pre-minced or jarred options. - 5Add vegetables
Incorporate the chopped potatoes and onions into the pot. These vegetables will add body and natural sweetness to the stew as they simmer.
Tip: Cut the potatoes and onions into uniform sizes to ensure they cook at the same rate. - 6Season with soy sauce and chili
Season the stew by adding light soy sauce for saltiness and chili powder for an extra kick of heat and vibrant color.
Tip: Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your personal preference for spice. - 7Add tofu to the stew
Add the prepared slices of tofu into the simmering stew. Let the tofu gently cook in the flavorful broth for about three minutes, allowing it to soak up the savory, spicy essence of the kimchi and Spam.
Tip: Handle the tofu slices carefully when adding them to the pot to ensure they remain intact and do not break apart. - 8Garnish and serve
As the final step, garnish the simmering Spam and Kimchi Stew with vibrant chili slices and freshly chopped scallions. These toppings instantly brighten the dishs appearance and add a fresh, pungent contrast to the rich, hot soup.
Tip: Add the scallions right before serving to maintain their bright green color and crisp texture.
