Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)
Budae Jjigae, Korean Army Stew, is a spicy, hearty fusion of Korean and American flavors. Loaded with Spam, sausage, kimchi, and ramen, it’s the ultimate hot pot to share with family and friends.
Equipment
Ingredients
Budae jjigae sauce
- 3 tbsp (24 g) Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 tbsp (20 g) Korean chili paste (gochujang)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml Korean soup soy sauce (gukganjang)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 g) minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) black pepper
Budae jjigae hot pot
- 12 oz (340 g) can Spam sliced
- 8 oz (227 g) can pork and beans
- 4.6 oz (130 g) can Vienna sausage drained
- 3 hot dogs sliced in half
- 1 lb (450 g) firm tofu sliced
- 2/3 cup (160 ml) sour kimchi sliced
- 1/2 onion sliced
- 3 oz (85 g) mushroom (any choice) sliced
- 4 cup (960 ml) chicken stock low sodium
- 1 package instant ramen noodles noodles only
Optional ingredients
- 1 slice cheddar cheese
- 1/3 lb (150 g) minced pork
- 6 frozen dumplings
- 3 oz (85 g) rice cake rounds
- 1/2 Asian leek sliced
Instructions
- To prepare Budae jigae sauce, mix together Korean chili flakes (gochugaru), gochujang, soy sauces, garlic, and pepper in a small mixing bowl; set aside.
- Assemble the stew: Place the sliced onions at the bottom of a large, shallow pot. Layer the Spam, hot dogs, Vienna sausage, tofu slices, pork and dumpling pieces, rice cakes, kimchi, mushrooms, and green onions on top of the onions in an even, visually appealing arrangement.
- Place the instant ramen noodles and the cheese slice over the layered ingredients. Spoon the prepared seasoning sauce on top of the noodles and other ingredients.
- Carefully pour in enough chicken stock to just barely cover all the ingredients. This will ensure the stew has enough liquid to cook and develop deep flavors without becoming too watery.
- Place the pot on the stove (or on a portable burner at the table for an authentic dining experience). Bring the stew to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
- Stir the seasoning paste into the broth to evenly distribute it throughout the stew. Gently stir the ramen noodles as they cook to ensure they soften evenly in the simmering stock.
- Serving Tip: For the best texture, enjoy the noodles first while they’re still chewy, and refill the broth as needed.
Nutrition
Calories: 855kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 51g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 23g | Cholesterol: 131mg | Sodium: 3197mg | Potassium: 1222mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1832IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 241mg | Iron: 7mg