A spicy, savory Korean stew with Spam, sausage, kimchi and ramen — comforting, bold and perfect for sharing.

Try this recipe by Cookim, who describes this recipe as "one of the most popular Korean dishes I've introduced to foreign friends. Although people may initially hesitate at the thought of Spam as a main ingredient, one bite quickly changes their mind."

Cookim (Kim Jeong-ho) is a food content creator on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Check out Cookim's videos on his YouTube channel.

Main ingredients:

  • 200 grams Spam
  • 2 sausages
  • 1/2 stalk green onion
  • 1 onion
  • 1/4 cup kimchi
  • 1 serving instant ramen noodles
  • 1 slice cheddar cheese (optional)

Sauce ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chile paste)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon red chile powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup

(Serves 2)

Instructions:

  • Thinly slice half an onion and one stalk of green onion.
  • Cut Spam into thin rectangular slices about 0.5 to 1 centimeter thick.
  • Slice sausages lengthwise into thin strips.
  • Mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl.
  • In a pot, layer the sliced onion and green onion on the bottom.
  • Add Spam, sausages, 1/4 cup kimchi, 3/4 of the sauce, 1 slice cheddar cheese and 3 cups water on top.
  • Bring to a boil over medium heat for 10 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning — if too salty, add more water; if too bland, add the remaining sauce.
  • Add 1 serving of instant ramen noodles, boil until cooked and serve with steamed rice.

Tips

The higher the pork content in the Spam, the better the flavor of the stew.