Say hello to Budae Jjigae
Budae Jjigae, also known as Army Stew, combines the bold flavors of spam, tofu, kimchi, and more in a comforting, communal dish perfect for sharing. This unique Korean-American fusion dish brings spicy, savory, and satisfying flavors together in a one-pot meal that’s both easy to make and fun to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
Broth:
- 4 cups water or anchovy stock
- 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ tbsp sugar
Stew Ingredients:
- 1 can Spam, sliced
- 2–3 hotdogs or sausages, sliced diagonally
- 1 cup kimchi, roughly chopped
- 1 block firm tofu, sliced
- 1 cup enoki mushrooms or any mushrooms of choice
- ½ cup baked beans
- 1–2 green onions, chopped
- 1 pack instant noodles
- 1 slice of American cheese
- Optional: rice cakes (tteok), canned corn, or any leftover vegetables
Instructions
- Prepare the Base
- In a large pot or shallow pan, arrange the Spam, hotdogs, kimchi, tofu, mushrooms, and baked beans. You can arrange them neatly for presentation or place them randomly for a rustic feel.
- Make the Broth
- In a small bowl, mix the gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, and sugar with the water or anchovy stock until well combined. Adjust the spice level to your taste by adding more or less gochugaru.
- Pour the prepared broth evenly over the ingredients in the pot.
- Cook the Stew
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil. As it cooks, the flavors from the kimchi and meats will infuse the broth. Simmer for about 10–15 minutes.
- Add the Instant Noodles
- Once the stew is bubbling, add the instant noodles directly to the pot. Allow them to cook for 2–3 minutes, or until tender.
- Place the slice of American cheese on top of the noodles and let it melt into the stew.
- Serve
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately. Enjoy straight from the pot for a communal dining experience or ladle into individual bowls.
Bursting with rich, spicy, and umami-packed flavors, Budae Jjigae is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s as much fun to eat as it is to make. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or simply craving a comforting one-pot meal, this stew has it all. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to dive into this iconic fusion dish that’s sure to warm both hearts and bellies. Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite comfort food!
