Delicious Spam Kimchi Stew
Delicious Spam Kimchi Stew
Easy and Delicious Spam Kimchi Stew Recipe for Beginners
Today, I’m sharing a simple yet flavorful Kimchi Stew recipe made with Spam and tofu. This recipe is packed with ingredients for a rich taste and is perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients- 1 Songi mushroom (or shiitake mushroom substitute)
- 1 Oyster mushroom (or other mushroom substitute)
- 1/2 can Spam (adjust amount to your preference)
- 1/2 block Tofu (firm, pan-frying tofu recommended)
- 2 Cheongyang peppers (adjust spiciness)
- 1/2 Onion (for sweetness and freshness)
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 1/2 stalk Green onion
- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce (for seasoning)
- 700ml Water (or broth)
- 1 Tbsp Red pepper powder (for spicy flavor)
- 2 Pinches Sea salt (for seasoning)
- 1/4 head Kimchi (well-fermented kimchi is best!)
- 1 Tbsp Perilla oil (for nutty aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the mushrooms: Lightly trim the stems of the Songi mushroom and wipe the caps clean. Slice them into bite-sized pieces, about 0.5 cm thick. For oyster mushrooms, remove the tough bottom part and either pull them apart into strands or cut them into manageable pieces.
Step 2
Prepare other ingredients: Slice the Spam into approximately 1 cm thick pieces. Dice the tofu into 2 cm cubes. Finely chop the Cheongyang peppers, removing seeds if you prefer less heat. Slice the onion thinly into strips or half-moons. Chop the green onion diagonally. Chop the kimchi into bite-sized pieces about 1 cm wide. (Using well-fermented, sour kimchi will yield a richer broth.)
Step 3
Slice the onion: Slice half an onion into thin strips about 0.5 cm thick, or cut into larger pieces depending on your preferred texture. The onion adds sweetness and a refreshing taste to the stew.
Step 4
Slice the green onion: Cut the green onion into diagonal pieces about 3 cm long. This adds a pleasant aroma and visual appeal to the stew.
Step 5
Start sautéing: Heat 1 tablespoon of perilla oil in a pot over medium-low heat. Once the oil is warm, add the sliced green onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
Step 6
Sauté kimchi and add water: Add the chopped kimchi to the pot with the sautéed green onion and garlic. Stir-fry together for about 3-4 minutes until the kimchi becomes slightly translucent and its sourness mellows, enhancing its flavor. Once the kimchi is well-fried, pour in 700ml of water.
Step 7
Boil and add onion: Bring the stew to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the kimchi flavor to meld into the broth. Then, add the sliced onion and let it simmer for a few more minutes.
Step 8
Add Spam: Add the sliced Spam to the pot. The fat rendered from the Spam will add richness to the stew broth.
Step 9
Add red pepper powder: After simmering for about 3 more minutes with the Spam, stir in 1 tablespoon of red pepper powder. Dissolve it thoroughly to add a spicy kick and a vibrant color.
Step 10
Season with salt: Now, add 2 pinches of sea salt to establish the basic seasoning. Add more salt gradually to adjust to your taste.
Step 11
Add mushrooms: Add the prepared Songi mushrooms and oyster mushrooms to the pot. Adding mushrooms towards the end helps retain their texture and aroma.
Step 12
Final seasoning with soy sauce: Continue to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms are tender. Taste the stew and adjust the overall seasoning with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. (Adjust the amount of soy sauce based on the saltiness of your kimchi.)
Step 13
Add Cheongyang peppers: Finally, add the chopped Cheongyang peppers and simmer for another minute to enhance the spicy flavor. If you prefer less heat, omit or reduce the quantity.
Step 14
Add tofu and finish: Gently place the diced tofu into the pot. Simmer on low heat for just 1-2 minutes more, being careful not to break the tofu, until it’s heated through. And there you have it! A delicious and hearty Spam Kimchi Stew, even without meat. Enjoy it with a hot bowl of rice!
