Flavor Explosion! Spicy Kimchi Stew with SPAM
The Ultimate Kimchi Stew Recipe Using SPAM, a Popular Holiday Gift!
What do you do with the SPAM you receive as gifts during the holidays? When you’re tired of rich, greasy holiday foods, how about a spicy and zesty kimchi stew to awaken your appetite? Adding SPAM to aged kimchi (mukimchi) infuses the stew with SPAM’s unique, deep, and savory umami flavor, making it a guaranteed delicious kimchi stew for anyone to cook. Experience the magical flavor SPAM brings!
Main Ingredients- 1/2 head of aged fermented kimchi (mukimchi)
- 1 can of SPAM (approx. 200g)
- 1/2 onion
- 2 Korean chili peppers (cheongyang peppers)
- 1 stalk of green onion
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- Pinch of sugar (to balance kimchi’s sourness)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 King oyster mushroom
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all the ingredients for the kimchi stew. Cut the aged kimchi into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3cm). Open the SPAM can, dice it, or cut it into your preferred size. Slice the onion thinly, and diagonally slice the green onion and Korean chili peppers. Remove the stem from the king oyster mushroom, cut it into 2-3 segments, and then slice them lengthwise. (Even though it’s missing from the photo, be sure to prepare the king oyster mushroom!)
Step 2
Now, prepare the pot for cooking the stew. Add 1-2 tablespoons of perilla oil to the pot and preheat over medium-low heat. The nutty aroma of perilla oil will further deepen the flavor of the kimchi stew.
Step 3
Add the prepared aged kimchi to the preheated pot and stir-fry it. It’s important to stir-fry the kimchi thoroughly over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and tender. Once the kimchi’s moisture has somewhat evaporated, add a little kimchi juice (about 2-3 tablespoons) while stir-frying to prevent burning and add more umami. This step makes the kimchi taste even richer.
Step 4
Once the kimchi is sufficiently stir-fried, it’s time to add water. Pour enough water to generously cover the kimchi (about 3-4 cups). Add the sliced onion and king oyster mushrooms and let them cook together. The mushrooms will absorb the broth as they cook, becoming even more delicious.
Step 5
As the stew begins to boil, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. The pungent aroma of garlic will enrich the stew’s flavor.
Step 6
Add the prepared SPAM to the pot. As SPAM cooks, it will release its delicious fat and umami into the broth, significantly enhancing the stew’s taste.
Step 7
Now, reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 10-15 minutes. It’s crucial to let it cook long enough for the flavors to meld. Towards the end of cooking, add the sliced Korean chili peppers for a spicy kick. (Feel free to add more if you like it spicier.)
Step 8
Finally, adjust the seasoning. I used 1 tablespoon of fish sauce for added umami. If needed, adjust the seasoning with salted shrimp, soy sauce, or salt according to your preference. This recipe doesn’t use any chili powder, yet it’s very spicy and delicious thanks to the harmony between the aged kimchi and SPAM! Indeed, SPAM shines brightest in kimchi stew! Enjoy your meal!
