Budae Jjigae
Korean Army Stew
Budae Jjigae, meaning 'army stew,' is a hearty and spicy Korean soup that originated after the Korean War. It ingeniously uses readily available processed ingredients like Spam and hot dogs, combined with kimchi and ramen noodles, to create a comforting and flavorful dish. Perfect for a chilly evening or a communal meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Kimchi(Well-fermented kimchi will provide the best flavor. Can be roughly chopped.)
- 1 can (12 oz) Spam(Cut into ½-inch thick slices or cubes.)
- 4 links Hot dogs(Such as all-beef or frankfurters. Slice diagonally into ½-inch thick pieces.)
- 1 pack Instant ramen noodles(Discard the seasoning packet or save for another use. The noodles are the key component.)
- 2 tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)(Adjust to your spice preference. Use coarse gochugaru for a more traditional texture and flavor.)
- 2 slices American cheese slices(Adds a creamy, slightly tangy element. Other mild processed cheese slices can be substituted.)
- 4 cups Water or anchovy broth(Anchovy broth adds more depth of flavor, but water is perfectly acceptable.)
- ½ medium Onion(Thinly sliced.)
- 2 stalks Scallions(Cut into 2-inch lengths, for garnish.)
- ½ block Tofu (optional)(Firm or silken, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces.)
- ½ cup Mushrooms (optional)(Such as shiitake or enoki, sliced.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the ingredients: Slice the Spam and hot dogs. Roughly chop the kimchi if needed. Thinly slice the onion. Cut the scallions into 2-inch lengths. If using, slice the tofu and mushrooms.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Assemble the stew base: In a large pot or Dutch oven (at least 3-quart capacity), artfully arrange the sliced Spam, hot dogs, and kimchi. Tuck in the sliced onion, tofu, and mushrooms (if using) around the meats and kimchi.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Add the liquid and spice: Pour in the 4 cups of water or broth. Sprinkle the gochugaru evenly over the ingredients. Ensure the gochugaru is submerged as much as possible to help it dissolve.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Bring to a boil and simmer: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the liquid to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the kimchi to soften.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 5
Add ramen and cheese: Uncover the pot. Add the instant ramen noodles directly into the simmering broth. Place the American cheese slices on top of the noodles and other ingredients. Cover and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and gooey.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Garnish and serve: Stir gently to distribute the melted cheese slightly. Ladle the bubbling hot stew into individual bowls, ensuring each serving gets a good mix of all the ingredients. Garnish with the cut scallions. Serve immediately while piping hot.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Budae Jjigae's origins trace back to the post-Korean War era when food was scarce. US Army base surplus ingredients like Spam and hot dogs were incorporated into traditional Korean dishes.
- ✓Feel free to experiment with other processed meats like Vienna sausages, canned ham, or even leftover cooked meats.
- ✓This stew is meant to be shared. Serve it directly from the pot at the table for a communal dining experience.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a can of baked beans for extra sweetness and texture.
- Incorporate other vegetables like napa cabbage, bean sprouts, or zucchini.
- For a richer broth, use beef broth or add a tablespoon of doenjang (Korean soybean paste).