12 Deliciously Authentic Korean Stew Recipes for a Cozy Night In

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Maryann Desmond

Regardless of where you are in the world, it’s common to find that Korean food often takes a backseat to other popular Asian cuisines like Chinese, Japanese, and Indian. But, once you’ve tried a few of these delectable dishes, you’ll likely want to incorporate more Korean cuisine into your regular meal rotation.

Spam & Kimchi Korean Army Stew Delight

Spam & Kimchi Korean Army Stew Delight

Just when you think you’ve tried every Korean dish out there, budae jjigae – also affectionately known as army stew – comes along to surprise and delight your taste buds. It’s not only a crowd-pleaser, but its ease of preparation is unmatched, making it a staple in many Korean households.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility; the core ingredients are simple: processed meat (in this case, we’re using spam and bacon) and kimchi – everything else can be added or adjusted to suit individual tastes. While there are numerous variations online, I find that this particular recipe stands out from the rest. There’s something comforting about the combination of mushroom caps, scallions, and onions, which add a depth of flavor and texture to each bite.

I’ve opted for chicken stock instead of anchovy broth in my version, but both options are sure to deliver an authentic taste experience.

Korean Beef Hot Pot: Hearty Saucy Delight

Korean Beef Hot Pot: Hearty Saucy Delight

Looking at the Korean beef hot pot recipe, it’s clear that it’s not your typical stew. In fact, it’s more like a saucy dish loaded with an assortment of ingredients, rather than a thick and chunky stew. The key to this recipe is the abundance of sliced ribeye, konnyaku noodles, onions (both white and green), tofu, mushrooms, and other tasty elements that are piled high in the pot.

To complete the experience, a sweet and savory sauce is generously applied, along with a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top. If you’re in search of something that will not only satisfy your hunger but also keep you full for an extended period, this recipe is an excellent choice.

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Spicy Mackerel Pike Kimchi Stew

Spicy Mackerel Pike Kimchi Stew

Be honest, the thought of cooking mackerel might turn some people off due to its notorious smell. But what if I told you that there’s a more pleasant alternative? Mackerel pike is a different fish altogether, with a much milder aroma compared to its infamous cousin. The rich flavors of this stew come not just from the mackerel, but also from the bold ingredients like kimchi, onions, garlic, ginger, gochugaru, green onions, red and green chiles, and more.

If you’re looking for a hearty, chunky stew that packs a punch, give this recipe a try.

Smooth Soybean Stew in a Flash

Smooth Soybean Stew in a Flash

Years ago, I stumbled upon an orange stew recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen, and for good reason – it’s incredibly easy to prepare, particularly when using the Instant Pot method. The filling nature of this dish is also a major plus, but I’ve noticed that some people can be quite particular about its texture. While the creamy and delicious combination is generally well-received, a few individuals have mentioned finding it slightly grainy.

If you encounter this issue, don’t worry – simply try pureeing your soybeans for an additional minute or two to achieve the desired consistency. Alternatively, adding more water can help to thin out the stew; just be mindful not to overdo it, as excessive moisture can result in a soup that’s too watery.

Spicy Soft Tofu Stew with Seafood

Spicy Soft Tofu Stew with Seafood

Yearning for a satisfying meal in no time? This 25-minute stew is an ideal solution for busy evenings when cooking is the last thing on your mind. With its generous portions of meat and seafood, along with an array of spices and seasonings, plus soft, well-textured tofu, it’s a hearty stew that the whole family will enjoy. Don’t hesitate to add a pinch or two of ginger if you prefer a touch of spiciness in your dishes.

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Quick Korean Gochujang Stew Recipe

Quick Korean Gochujang Stew Recipe

Upon discovering this Korean gochujang soup recipe, I found that it perfectly fits my preference for quick and convenient meals. Typically, I enjoy cooking dishes that can be prepared in under 30 minutes using just one pot. This particular soup has become a staple at my house, not only because of its exceptional flavor but also due to its versatility in accommodating various dietary needs.

Notably, it checks all the right boxes: naturally vegan-friendly, low-calorie, relatively low-carb, and gluten-free, making it an excellent option for hosting guests or catering to different nutritional requirements without requiring significant modifications.

Spicy Crab Stew with Korean Flair

Spicy Crab Stew with Korean Flair

Year after year, Korean crab stew remains a crowd-pleaser due to its bold umami flavor and spicy kick. Its diverse ingredients include succulent crab, plump shrimp, and savory dried anchovies, all carefully selected to create an explosion of flavors. When preparing the dish, you’ll need to incorporate traditional Korean spices and pastes, which serve as the foundation for the entire recipe.

The addition of a variety of vegetables and herbs not only adds freshness but also depth to the stew’s flavor profile. One of its most appealing aspects is that it’s incredibly filling, leaving diners satisfied without feeling too full. Furthermore, the aroma wafting from the pot is often just as enticing as the taste itself – assuming, of course, that seafood is your preference.

The beauty of Korean crab stew lies in its versatility; you can easily modify the recipe to suit your personal tastes by incorporating your favorite seafood and vegetables.

Easy Korean Kimchi Stew Recipe

Easy Korean Kimchi Stew Recipe

Just a few simple ingredients are needed to make this delicious Korean stew, but tracking down all of them might require a trip to your local Asian market. While finding pork belly, garlic, oil, tofu, scallions, salt, and pepper should be relatively easy, you may need to do some digging for the fermented kimchi, gochugaru, and kimchi juice. Luckily, if these ingredients are proving elusive, they can often be found online with a quick search.

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Once all of your ingredients are in hand, you’ll find that making this stew is a breeze, requiring just five straightforward steps and taking no more than an hour to complete.

Spicy Red Snapper Stew Recipe

Spicy Red Snapper Stew Recipe

Domi maeuntang is a Korean-inspired dish that embodies the perfect balance of spiciness and umami flavor. Drawing from the richness of anchovy broth as its base, this recipe invites those who crave bold flavors to take center stage. To achieve the most intense seafood experience, you’ll incorporate a whole snapper, a selection of small clams, and a hint of fish (or soy) sauce into the mix.

A medley of colorful vegetables and fragrant herbs, including ginger for its unmistakable heat, will further elevate this mouth-watering stew. While it may not ignite an inferno in your taste buds, domi maeuntang is undoubtedly spicy, making it essential to exercise caution if you’re accustomed to milder flavors.

Daegu Tang (Mild Codfish Stew)

Daegu Tang (Mild Codfish Stew)

Fresh from the seafood stews of Korea, daegu tang offers a milder alternative to more robust options like crab stew. This codfish and clam (or shrimp) stew features many of the same vegetables as its heartier counterpart, but with a flavor profile that’s lighter and more refreshing. Daegu tang is an excellent choice for those looking for a less bold seafood experience, making it an ideal appetizer to precede a larger meal.

Serve it alongside a crisp salad or some noodles for a well-rounded and satisfying stand-alone dish.

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