Main CourseDinner

Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)

Name: Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: korean
Ingredients: 1.5 cup kimchi chopped; 1 pcs spam sliced; 4 pcs sausage sliced; 0.5 pcs tofu firm, sliced; 100 g enoki mushroom trimmed; 100 g oyster mushroom torn; 2 pcs green onion chopped; 2 tbsp gochujang; 1.5 tbsp gochugaru; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 3 clove garlic minced; 1 tsp sugar; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 4 cup dashi broth; 2 pcs instant ramen noodle; 2 pcs american cheese slice; 0.5 cup baked bean (optional)

This hearty Korean army stew is packed with a variety of meats, vegetables, and instant ramen noodles, all simmered in a spicy, savory broth. It's a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for sharing with friends and family. The robust flavors and textures make it a satisfying one-pot meal.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 45 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium

Allergen information: may contain fish, gluten, milk, and soy. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

1.5 cupkimchi, chopped
1 pcsspam, sliced
4 pcssausage, sliced
0.5 pcstofu, firm, sliced
100 genoki mushroom, trimmed
100 goyster mushroom, torn
2 pcsgreen onion, chopped
4 cupdashi broth
2 pcsinstant ramen noodle
2 pcsamerican cheese slice
0.5 cupbaked bean(optional)

sauce

2 tbspgochujang
1.5 tbspgochugaru
1 tbspsoy sauce
3 clovegarlic, minced
1 tspsugar
0.25 tspblack pepper

Equipment

wide pot · small bowl · cutting board · knife

The method

Step by step

1
Prepare the sauce by combining the gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, minced garlic, sugar, and black pepper in a small bowl.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Adjust the gochugaru to your preferred spice level.
2
Arrange the chopped kimchi, sliced spam, sliced sausages, sliced tofu, enoki mushrooms, and oyster mushrooms attractively in a wide, shallow pot or electric skillet.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Using a wide pot ensures even cooking and makes it easier to eat directly from the pot.
3
Spoon the prepared sauce mixture into the center of the arranged ingredients.
About 1 min
4
Pour the dashi broth over all the ingredients in the pot.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: You can use vegetable or chicken broth if dashi is unavailable.
5
Bring the stew to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the ingredients are cooked through and the flavors have melded.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: Stir occasionally to ensure all ingredients are coated in the broth and sauce.
6
Add the instant ramen noodles and the baked beans (if using) to the pot. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
About 4 min
Cook’s note: Break the ramen noodles in half before adding them to make them easier to eat.
7
Lay the American cheese slices on top of the stew and cook for another minute, just until the cheese begins to melt.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: The cheese adds a creamy, savory element that perfectly complements the spicy broth.
8
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately, directly from the pot.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Serve with a bowl of steamed rice on the side to soak up the delicious broth.

Keep it good

Storage

Store any leftover budae jjigae in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until simmering, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.