13 Best Korean Spam Recipes (Army Stew & More!)

These Korean Spam recipes are sure to hit the spot! Explore our selected top 5 picks and unlock some handy tips to elevate the flavors of your Spam-infused Korean dishes.

Spam, the iconic canned ham product, first made its way to the Korean peninsula during the aftermath of World War II, arriving as part of U.S. military rations. This introduction marked the beginning of a profound culinary journey that would see Spam evolve from an emergency food source to a beloved cultural icon.

From the enticing aroma of fried rice to the intricate flavors of kimbap (seaweed rice rolls) and even fusion dishes like Spam-stuffed dumplings, chefs and home cooks alike embraced this versatile canned meat.

If you’re a fan of both Spam and Korean cuisine, these Korean Spam recipes are a must-try; they bring together the best of both worlds in a mouthwatering fusion of flavors.

Top 5 Recipe Picks

No time to lose? Let’s make it quick. Here are the faves:

• #1 Budae Jjigae (Army Stew) is simple to prepare, making it suitable for beginner cooks.
• #4 Kimchi Fried Rice With Spam offers sweet, sour, and umami flavors in each bite. 
• #6 Spam Kimbap is an excellent meal to prepare in advance, perfect for busy days. 
• Feel free to personalize #10 Korean Street Toast by adding or omitting ingredients. 
• #13 Spam & Egg Deopbap is a great choice for a quick meal without breaking the bank.

Best Korean Spam Recipes

1. Budaae Jjigae (Army Stew)

This hearty stew from the post-war era combines traditional Korean ingredients like kimchi and American influences such as Spam and bacon. This popular comfort food is often enjoyed as a communal meal.

2. Buchim (Korean-Style Spam & Eggs)

This Korean-inspired recipe highlights Spam slices coated in whisked eggs and then pan-fried to golden brown perfection. Buchim pairs well with steamed rice, kimchi, and noodles.

3. Spam Kimchi Jjigae

The Spam in this dish adds a salty and savory flavor that complements the acidity of the kimchi. While the tofu adds a creamy texture and helps to balance out the heat of the chili peppers in the kimchi.

4. Kimchi Fried Rice With Spam

This dish brings together the vibrant flavors of pungent kimchi and savory Spam, sautéed with perfectly cooked rice and some aromatic spices. The key to the recipe is to use high-quality ingredients and cook the rice and kimchi properly.

5. Spam & Fish Cakes (Odeng) Stir-Fry

This stir-fry showcases a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, combining the savory flavor of Spam and the delicate essence of fish cakes. The recipe is a delicious and easy way to introduce Korean cuisine to your family and friends.

6. Spam Kimbap

This unique twist on traditional kimbap introduces the irresistible combination of crispy Spam, fresh vegetables, and seasoned rice. The seaweed wrap adds a salty, seaweed flavor that brings everything together.

7. Rabboki (Ddukbokgi With Ramen)

This Korean dish combines two popular street foods: tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and ramyeon (instant ramen). Once the tteokbokki are cooked through, ramyeon are added to the sauce, cooked until soft, and then garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and cheese.

8. Spam & Onion Jeon (Korean Spam Onion Pancake)

This Korean pancake is often served as a snack or appetizer. The Spam adds a savory flavor to the pancake, while the onions provide crunch. The eggs help to bind the ingredients together and create a crispy exterior.

9. Korean Potato & Spam Stew (Gamja Jjageuli)

This stew features potatoes cooked until tender in a savory broth flavored with spam, onions, chili peppers, and gochujang. For extra flavor, increase the chili peppers; for a milder version, reduce or skip them.

10. Korean Street Toast

This beloved street food features fluffy eggs, fresh vegetables, and Spam slices, all sandwiched between buttery slices of toast. The ketchup and mayonnaise add a sweet note, and the melted cheese brings it all together.

11. Gyeran Mari (Korean Rolled Omelette)

Gyeran Mari is a famous Korean side dish that’s as impressive to look at as it is to savor. The eggs are beaten with just a touch of milk and salt, which gives the omelette a light and fluffy texture.

12. Dosirak (Korean Lunch Box Recipe)

This Korean lunch box recipe marries tradition with modern convenience. The short-grain rice is steamed to perfection, the kimchi is fermented to its signature sour-spicy flavor, and the vegetables are stir-fried until tender.

13. Spam & Egg Deopbap

This Korean-inspired recipe highlights Spam cooked until crispy, and the eggs are soft-scrambled, then both topped on the rice. The mayonnaise is drizzled over the dish for a rich and umami touch.

How To Make Korean Spam Recipes Taste Better

Korean cuisine is known for its diverse flavors and use of various ingredients. If you’re looking to enhance the taste of Korean Spam recipes, here are some tips to consider:

• Marination. Marinate Spam in a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sugar for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Spices and herbs. Use Korean spices like gochugaru, sesame seeds, and green onions for authentic flavor.
• Vegetables. Sauté bell peppers, onions, carrots, and zucchini with Spam for vibrant color.
• Kimchi. Add tangy and spicy kimchi as a side, or mix it into the recipe.
• Rice or noodles. Serve Spam with rice or noodles for a complete meal and flavor absorption.
• Sauces and condiments. Enhance flavor with ssamjang or doenjang for umami richness.
• Texture variation. Pan-fry or grill Spam for a crispy texture contrast.
• Presentation. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or a fried egg.
• Balance flavors. Mix salty, sweet, spicy, and umami elements in the right amounts.
• Experiment and customize. Adapt recipes to your taste and preferences.

The bottom line

The success of Spam in Korea is a story of resilience, creativity, and cross-cultural influence. What started off as a practical solution to a dire situation transformed into a representation of creativity and culinary fusion. It serves as a reminder that even the most unexpected ingredients can find a place of honor on the dining tables and in the hearts of a nation’s people.

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