
Slice the bacon into bite-size pieces and cook it in a large pot over medium heat until the fat renders and the bacon is lightly crisp. Transfer the bacon to a plate and reserve the drippings in the pot.



Prep the remaining ingredients: slice the hot dogs on a diagonal, cut the Vienna sausages into thirds, cube the Spam and tofu, roughly chop the kimchi, and slice the mushrooms. Break the ramen noodles into large pieces.

Pour the chicken broth into the pot with the bacon drippings. Stir in the garlic, mirin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and gochujang, then bring the broth to a gentle simmer.

Add the cooked bacon, hot dogs, Vienna sausages, kimchi, pork and beans, mushrooms, and rice cakes to the broth. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes so the flavors blend and the rice cakes begin to soften.


While the stew simmers, heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly fry the tofu in a little of the reserved bacon fat until golden on the edges. Set aside.


In the same skillet, cook the Spam until browned and lightly crisp. Add the Spam and tofu to the stew.


Add the ramen noodles and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until just tender. Taste the broth and adjust with salt only if needed.



Turn off the heat and lay the American cheese slices over the top so they melt into the stew. Finish with green onions and serve hot, with oyster crackers on the side if desired.





