Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)

Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew) is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines a variety of ingredients into a deliciously comforting stew. Originally created during the Korean War using surplus ingredients like processed meats (spam, hot dogs), kimchi, tofu, and instant ramen noodles, Budae Jjigae is now a beloved dish in Korean cuisine. The stew is typically simmered in a spicy broth made with gochujang (Korean chili paste), garlic, and a mix of seasonings, creating a warm and savory dish that’s packed with bold flavors.

The first time I made this, I was curious about trying Korean comfort food, and Budae Jjigae became an instant favorite! The combination of salty, savory meats, spicy broth, and hearty vegetables makes for a filling, satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or social gatherings. What I love most about Budae Jjigae is how customizable it is—you can adjust the ingredients to your taste, whether you add more vegetables, noodles, or a variety of meats. It’s an ideal dish for sharing, and it’s comforting, spicy, and filling all at once!

Perfect for:

Casual gatherings
Family dinners
Comfort food cravings
Cold weather meals
Korean cuisine enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Budae Jjigae will become a staple in your kitchen:

Rich Flavor Profile: A combination of spicy, tangy, and savory notes from Korean seasonings and ingredients.
Quick and Easy to Prepare: Minimal prep time for a satisfying one-pot meal.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for gatherings or family-style dining.
Customizable Ingredients: Add your favorite proteins, vegetables, or noodles.
Affordable and Accessible: Utilizes pantry staples and budget-friendly ingredients.
Comfort Food Classic: A warm, filling dish perfect for any season.
Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with proteins, carbs, and vitamins from a variety of ingredients.
Cultural Experience: Offers a taste of traditional Korean flavors with a modern twist.
Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Versatile Cooking Options: Can be made on a stovetop, portable gas burner, or even a slow cooker.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 400-500 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

6 cups water or anchovy stock
2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup kimchi, chopped
4 oz spam, sliced
4 oz hot dogs or sausages, sliced
½ cup baked beans
1 pack instant ramen noodles
4 oz tofu, cubed

Vegetables:

1 cup napa cabbage, chopped
½ cup mushrooms (shiitake or enoki)
1 medium onion, sliced
2 green onions, chopped

Optional Add-ins:

1 slice American cheese
Rice cakes (tteok)
Fresh chili peppers for extra heat

Ingredient Highlights

Gochujang: Provides a signature spicy and umami flavor.
Kimchi: Adds tanginess and depth to the stew.
Spam and Hot Dogs: Bring savory, nostalgic elements to the dish.
Baked Beans: A unique addition that adds sweetness and richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Base:

Heat Stock: In a large pot, bring water or anchovy stock to a gentle boil.
Add Seasoning: Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, and sugar until fully dissolved.

Layer the Ingredients:

Arrange Ingredients: Neatly place kimchi, spam, hot dogs, tofu, baked beans, napa cabbage, mushrooms, and onions in sections around the pot.

Simmer the Stew:

Cook Base Layers: Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Add Noodles and Final Touches:

Cook Noodles: Add the instant ramen noodles and let them soften for 2-3 minutes.
Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions and top with a slice of cheese if desired.

Serve:

Dish Out: Serve hot in individual bowls, accompanied by rice or additional sides like kimchi.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Budae Jjigae:

With Steamed Rice: Pair with a bowl of steamed white rice to balance the rich flavors.
For Casual Gatherings: Serve straight from the pot for a communal dining experience.
With Banchan (Korean Side Dishes): Include dishes like pickled radish or seasoned spinach.
As a Hot Pot: Use a portable gas burner to keep the stew simmering at the table.
With Cold Soda: A perfect pairing for the spicy and savory flavors.
With Korean Soju: Enhance the dining experience with a traditional Korean drink.
Topped with More Cheese: Melt an extra slice of cheese for a creamier texture.
For a Spicy Kick: Add extra gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) before serving.
With Extra Noodles: Add a second pack of ramen for heartier servings.
As Leftovers: Reheat the stew the next day for a richer, deeper flavor.

Additional Tips

Layer Ingredients Thoughtfully: Arrange ingredients like turkey spam, chicken sausages, and veggies neatly in the pot for an eye-catching presentation before adding broth.
Boost Flavor with Anchovy Stock: Use homemade anchovy-kelp broth as a base to elevate the umami flavor instead of plain water.
Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) and gochujang (Korean chili paste) to suit your heat tolerance.
Experiment with Cheese: A slice of American cheese or shredded mozzarella can add a creamy, indulgent twist to your stew.
Let the Noodles Soak Perfectly: Add instant noodles or glass noodles toward the end of cooking to keep them from becoming too soggy.
Include Kimchi for Authenticity: Fermented, well-aged kimchi adds depth to the stew, balancing the meaty flavors with tangy notes.
Add Fresh Toppings: Garnish with fresh green onions, sliced chilies, or sesame seeds just before serving for added freshness and texture.
Control the Saltiness: Taste the broth frequently and adjust the saltiness by balancing processed ingredients like sausages with fresh vegetables.
Serve with Rice: Pair your Budae Jjigae with steamed white rice to help soak up the flavorful broth.
Keep the Heat On: Enjoy the stew hot and bubbling on a portable burner at the table for a communal dining experience.

Recipe Variations

Seafood Lover’s Twist: Add fresh shrimp, clams, mussels, and squid for a seafood-forward version. Use fish stock as the base to enhance the oceanic flavors.
Cheesy Delight: Top the stew with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese. Let it melt for a creamy, indulgent twist.
Vegetarian Budae Jjigae: Replace meat and chicken sausages with tofu, mushrooms, and assorted vegetables like zucchini, bok choy, and spinach. Use vegetable broth as the base.
Spicy Volcano Style: Amp up the heat with extra gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), sliced fresh chilies, and a splash of chili oil for an intense, fiery flavor.
Kimchi Explosion: Double the kimchi and use kimchi juice as part of the broth for a tangy and extra-savory punch.
Fusion Tex-Mex: Add kidney beans, corn, jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve with tortilla chips for a Korean-Mexican hybrid.
Rich and Creamy Stew: Mix in a splash of heavy cream or evaporated milk to create a creamy broth that softens the spiciness.
Health-Conscious Option: Use lean proteins like chicken breast or turkey sausage, reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce, and include quinoa or barley instead of ramen noodles.
Instant Ramen Upgrade: Use premium instant ramen noodles and top the stew with a soft-boiled egg for an upscale comfort food experience.
All-Meat Feast: Pack the stew with various meats like thinly sliced beef, beef belly, and turkey Spam, alongside chicken sausages for a carnivore’s dream.

Special Equipment

Korean Hot Pot Pan: A wide, shallow, and sturdy pan designed for cooking and serving jjigae directly at the table.
Portable Butane Stove: Allows the stew to simmer tableside for a communal dining experience.
Mesh Strainer Spoon: Ideal for skimming impurities or floating scum from the broth.
Long Chopsticks: Useful for arranging ingredients neatly in the pan and flipping items during cooking.
Soup Ladle: Essential for serving the rich, flavorful broth.
Heatproof Tongs: Handy for handling hot items like chicken sausages or turkey Spam.
Ramen Noodle Separator: A small tool that helps divide or untangle noodles evenly.
Mini Bowls: For individual servings, allowing diners to enjoy their own portions comfortably.
Clay Pot or Stone Bowl: Retains heat longer, keeping the stew hot for extended enjoyment.
Korean Soup Spoons: Designed for scooping both broth and solid ingredients with ease.

FAQ Section

Can I make this less spicy?
Reduce the amount of gochujang and add a bit more sugar or soy sauce.
What type of instant noodles should I use?
Any brand works, but Korean ramen like Shin Ramyun is ideal.
Can I substitute turkey spam?
Yes, beef ham, beef bacon, or chicken sausages are great alternatives.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this stew?
Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in tofu and noodles.
What can I use instead of gochujang?
Try a mix of miso paste and chili flakes as a substitute.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles.
What’s the best way to serve this dish at a party?
Cook on a portable gas burner so guests can serve themselves directly.
Can I skip the baked beans?
Yes, but they add a unique sweetness to the dish.
What other vegetables can I add?
Try zucchini, carrots, or spinach for added variety.

Conclusion

Budae Jjigae, also known as Korean Army Stew, is a hearty, flavorful dish that originated during the Korean War, combining ingredients that were readily available, including processed meats like turkey spam and baked beans, with traditional Korean staples like kimchi, tofu, and gochujang (Korean chili paste). This stew is a comforting, spicy, and savory dish that features a delicious mix of flavors and textures. The broth is rich and slightly spicy, infused with the heat from gochujang and the savory depth of the meats and vegetables.

The beauty of Budae Jjigae lies in its versatility; you can add a variety of ingredients like mushrooms, ramen noodles, cabbage, or even rice cakes, depending on what you have on hand. It’s traditionally cooked in a large pot where all the ingredients are simmered together, creating a deliciously rich and satisfying stew perfect for sharing with friends or family.

I can’t wait to see how your Budae Jjigae turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!