Korean Army Stew

Imagine a bubbling pot filled with savory aromas wafting through your kitchen.

Korean Army Stew is a delightful mix of spicy, tangy, and comforting flavors that’s surprisingly easy to make.

With just a few simple ingredients, this hearty stew transforms into a soul-warming meal as it simmers.

Each bite is a cozy embrace, making it a beloved favorite.

Let’s bring this dish to life and savor the magic in every spoonful.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 ladle
• 1 cutting board
• 1 knife
• 1 measuring cup

Ingredients

• 200 grams spam, sliced
• 200 grams tofu, cubed
• 1 cup kimchi, chopped
• 150 grams sausage, sliced
• 1 pack instant ramen noodles
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup baked beans
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Korean Army Stew, follow this timeline:

1. Reading & Gathering Ingredients (5 minutes):
   • Before starting any prep work, take a few minutes to read through the entire recipe and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Prep Work (15 minutes):
   • Minute 1-3: Slice the spam and sausage.
   • Minute 4-6: Cube the tofu and chop the kimchi.
   • Minute 7-9: Slice the mushrooms and chop the green onions.
   • Minute 10-12: Mince the garlic.
   • Minute 13-15: Measure out the chicken broth, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and baked beans.
3. Cooking (20 minutes):
   • Minute 1-2: Heat the large pot over medium heat and add sesame oil.
   • Minute 3: Add minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
   • Minute 4: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
   • Minute 5-7: Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, and sugar until combined.
   • Minute 8-12: Add kimchi, spam, sausage, and tofu to the pot and let cook.
   • Minute 13-15: Add mushrooms and baked beans to the pot.
   • Minute 16-20: Break ramen noodles and add to the pot, cooking until soft.
4. Resting & Garnishing (5 minutes):
   • Minute 1-2: Let the stew rest for a couple of minutes.
   • Minute 3-5: Garnish with chopped green onions and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Adjust as needed based on your pace.

Also, you can adjust the spice level and customize ingredients to your taste during the cooking process.

Recipe Instructions

Place the large pot over medium heat and add the sesame oil.

Add the garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.

Stir in the gochujang, soy sauce, and sugar until combined.

Add the kimchi, spam, sausage, and tofu to the pot.

Allow the mixture to cook for 10 minutes.

Add the mushrooms and baked beans to the pot.

Break the ramen noodles and add them to the pot.

Cook for 5 more minutes, or until the noodles are soft.

Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Serving Tips

• Steamed Rice: A classic accompaniment that helps balance the rich and spicy flavors of the stew.
• Pickled Radishes: Adds a tangy and crisp contrast, enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Korean Seaweed (Gim): Provides a salty, umami crunch that pairs well with the stew’s savory broth.
• Kimchi Pancakes: Offers an additional layer of texture and flavor, complementing the stew’s ingredients.
• Cucumber Salad: A revitalizing and cooling side dish that contrasts the stew’s heat.

Storage

To store Korean Army Stew, let it cool.

Then, transfer to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to three days.

Reheat gently on the stove, adding broth if needed.

Freezing

To freeze Korean Army Stew, let it cool completely.

Then, transfer to airtight containers. Leave space for expansion.

Label with the date. Freeze for up to three months.

Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

When reheating Korean Army Stew, use a stovetop for even heating.

Stir occasionally, adding a bit of broth if necessary.

Microwave in short intervals, stirring between, to avoid overcooking.

Final Thoughts

Korean Army Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines various ingredients into a delicious and comforting meal.

It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

With its rich and spicy broth, this stew is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Try making it at home for a taste of Korean cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the History Behind Korean Army Stew?

You explore the stew’s origins rooted in post-war Korea, where resourceful cooks combined army surplus ingredients with local flavors. They transformed simple items like spam and kimchi into a hearty dish, showcasing culinary adaptability under challenging circumstances.

Can I Make It Vegetarian or Vegan?

You can make it vegetarian or vegan. Replace spam and sausage with plant-based alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken. Omit baked beans or choose a vegan variety. Confirm all ingredients, like gochujang, are vegan-friendly.

What Are Some Common Side Dishes to Serve With It?

You can serve it with 1 cup of steamed rice, 100 grams of kimchi, and 50 grams of pickled radish. For more variety, add 30 grams of seasoned spinach and 40 grams of marinated bean sprouts. Enjoy!

How Spicy Is Korean Army Stew Typically?

You control the stew’s spiciness by adjusting gochujang. Typically, one tablespoon offers medium heat. For less spice, reduce to half a tablespoon; for more heat, increase to two tablespoons. Always taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.

Are There Any Regional Variations of This Stew in Korea?

You’ll find regional variations in Korea based on ingredient availability. Some areas use seafood or rice cakes. Adjust the gochujang quantity for spiciness. Always guarantee precise measurements and consistent cooking times for authentic taste and texture.

Korean Army Stew

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine Korean

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Ladle
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Knife
• 1 measuring cup

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 200 grams spam sliced
• 200 grams tofu cubed
• 1 cup kimchi chopped
• 150 grams sausage sliced
• 1 pack instant ramen noodles
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 green onions chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 cup mushrooms sliced
• 1/2 cup baked beans
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

 

• Place the large pot over medium heat and add the sesame oil.
• Add the garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
• Stir in the gochujang, soy sauce, and sugar until combined.
• Add the kimchi, spam, sausage, and tofu to the pot.
• Allow the mixture to cook for 10 minutes.
• Add the mushrooms and baked beans to the pot.
• Break the ramen noodles and add them to the pot.
• Cook for 5 more minutes, or until the noodles are soft.
• Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochujang to suit your taste. You can also customize the stew by adding other ingredients like rice cakes or seafood. Be sure to taste and adjust seasoning before serving, as the saltiness can vary depending on the brand of ingredients used.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.