As the aroma of Korean Army Stew fills your kitchen, you’ll feel transported to a cozy gathering where friends and family indulge in a comforting bowl of hearty flavors. This soul-warming dish, rich with protein, vegetables, and spicy undertones, takes just 30 minutes to prepare and embodies a perfect blend of textures and tastes. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a meal that feels both home-cooked and invigorating.
This recipe is ideal for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying dinner or a unique dish for entertaining guests. It’s perfect for a rainy day or a casual weeknight meal. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days, making it a perfect option for meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It combines a variety of flavors and textures in each bite.
- The dish comes together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Spicy and savory, it warms you from the inside out.
- Customize the heat level based on your personal preference.
What You’ll Need
Gather the following ingredients to create this hearty stew.
For the Stew
- 1/2 block firm tofu, sliced
- 1/2 can canned meat/spam, sliced
- 3 sausages, sliced
- 1/2 medium onion, sliced
- 2 stalk green onions, cut into thirds (set aside a bit for garnishing)
- 1/2 packet seafood mushrooms (or 1 packet enoki mushrooms)
- 1 slice American/cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup kimchi
- 1/4 cup kimchi juice
- 1 instant noodle
- 3.5 cups chicken broth or water
For the Sauce
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1.5 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp gochugaru (adjust to your heat preference)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced, grated, or crushed
For Garnishing
- Sesame seeds
You can substitute any kind of noodle or protein as needed.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Instead of canned meat, try tofu or other cooked meats.
- Use any type of mushrooms that you prefer.
- Adjust gochugaru for less heat if desired.
- Replace kimchi with pickled vegetables for a milder flavor.
How to Make It
Follow these simple steps to create your Korean Army Stew.
Combine sauce ingredients
In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the sauce and mix well.
Arrange ingredients
To a shallow pot, arrange the ingredients side by side in a circle. Add the kimchi, kimchi juice, and green onions in the middle.
Add sauce and broth
Add the sauce in the middle and pour in the chicken broth into the pot. Over medium heat, bring the pot to a simmer, then cover with a lid. Let it simmer for 6-8 minutes.
Add noodles and cheese
Turn the heat down to medium-low heat and add the instant noodles to the center. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes or until the noodles are cooked to your liking. Gently swirl the instant noodles to ensure even cooking.
Garnish and serve
Add a slice of cheese and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve while hot and enjoy!
How to Store It
Fridge: up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: no, the noodles don’t freeze well.
Reheat: microwave for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure the kimchi has good flavor, as it enhances the stew’s taste.
- Don’t skip the cheese—it adds creaminess to the dish.
- Adjust the amount of gochugaru depending on your preferred spice level.
- Make sure to arrange the ingredients tightly for maximum flavor infusion.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Pair with a refreshing cucumber salad for balance.
- Perfect for cozy movie nights or gatherings with friends.
