Learn how to make popular Korean hot pot dish – Budae Jjigae (Army stew or Army base stew)! It is loaded with Kimchi, spam, sausages, ramen noodles and much more!

Army Stew (부대찌개, Budae Jjigae) is a hearty and comforting Korean stew that originated after the Korean War. It is a fusion dish that combines traditional Korean ingredients with processed American foods, like Spam and hot dogs, which were introduced by U.S. soldiers stationed in Korea. The stew is flavorful, spicy, and packed with a variety of ingredients. Here’s a recipe to make your own delicious Army Stew!

Ingredients:

• Protein and Meat:
  • 200g Spam (or any canned ham), sliced
  • 2-3 hot dogs, sliced
  • 150g ground beef (optional)
  • 1/2 block tofu (firm), cut into cubes
• Vegetables:
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup kimchi (preferably aged), chopped
  • 1 small zucchini, sliced
  • 1-2 cups shiitake mushrooms or enoki mushrooms, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup baked beans (optional, for authenticity)
• Broth:
  • 4 cups water or anchovy broth (for a deeper flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
  • 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) – adjust to your spice preference
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic (minced or crushed)
  • 1 tablespoon of doenjang (fermented soybean paste) (optional, for richer flavor)
• Other:
  • 1-2 cups ramen noodles (or any instant noodles)
  • 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth:
   • In a large pot, combine water (or anchovy broth) with gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and minced garlic. Stir well to dissolve the gochujang and make a smooth broth.
   • Bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to a simmer.
2. Layer the Stew:
   • Add the sliced Spam, hot dogs, and ground beef (if using) into the pot.
   • Add the kimchi, onions, garlic, zucchini, mushrooms, and tofu cubes on top of the broth. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
3. Cook the Stew:
   • Let the stew simmer on low to medium heat for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to cook.
   • Add baked beans if you like for a more authentic taste. (This is a popular ingredient used in Korean Army Stew!)
4. Add the Noodles:
   • Add the ramen noodles (without the seasoning packet) into the stew. Let the noodles cook in the broth for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and absorb the flavors.
5. Final Touches:
   • Once everything is well-cooked and the flavors have blended, adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add a little more soy sauce or gochugaru for extra flavor and spice.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
   • Serve the stew hot with a side of steamed rice or enjoy it on its own!

Tips:

• Broth Depth: For a more authentic depth of flavor, using anchovy broth instead of plain water is a good choice. You can make anchovy broth by boiling dried anchovies and kelp in water for about 10 minutes.
• Adjust Spice Level: The amount of gochujang and gochugaru can be adjusted based on your preferred spice level.
• Serving: This stew is perfect for sharing, so bring it to the table as a communal dish and let everyone dig in!

Enjoy your homemade Budae Jjigae—a perfect comfort food with a mix of spicy, savory, and umami-rich flavors!