If you have ever wanted to dive into a rich, spicy, and utterly comforting Korean dish that feeds a crowd with ease, then this Budae Jjigae: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for 7 Delicious Servings Recipe is exactly what you need. This hearty army stew masterfully combines classic Korean flavors with savory meats, fresh vegetables, and a perfect spicy sauce to create a one-pot wonder that warms your soul and excites your taste buds. Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual weeknight meal, this recipe gathers everyone around with its bold taste and satisfying textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this fantastic dish lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each item plays its role, whether adding smokiness, spice, or heartiness, balancing the stew with essential flavors and colors that make your palate dance.
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or anchovy broth: The flavorful base that brings all ingredients together and keeps the stew light.
- 1/2 pound SPAM (sliced into strips): Adds smoky richness and a melty texture that complements the spicy broth.
- 1/2 pound hot dogs or smoked sausages (sliced): Brings a juicy, savory bite that’s a nod to classic Korean army stew origins.
- 1/2 pound ground beef or pork: Adds depth and a tender meaty layer to the dish.
- 1/2 block firm tofu (cubed): Offers a soft, mild contrast that absorbs the spicy broth beautifully.
- 1 cup kimchi (chopped): Injects necessary tang and fermented complexity that every Budae Jjigae craves.
- 1/2 onion (sliced): Adds sweetness and soft texture as the stew simmers.
- 1/2 cup mushrooms (shiitake or enoki, cleaned and trimmed): Earthy and chewy mushrooms that elevate umami flavors.
- 1 cup napa cabbage or bok choy (chopped): Brings freshness and subtle crunch to balance all the richness.
- 1 pack instant ramen noodles: The ultimate comfort carb that soaks up all those wonderful flavors.
- 1/2 cup baked beans: Adds a sweet and savory surprise that complements the stew’s spicy profile.
- 2 slices American cheese: Melts creamy goodness on top, rounding the spicy broth beautifully.
- 2 scallions (sliced): Garnishes with fresh color and a mild onion punch.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Brings a nutty aroma and finishing richness to the stew.
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste): The spicy-sweet anchor of the stew’s bold flavor.
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes): Adds heat and a lovely depth of spice.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: For savory umami balance.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Softens the heat and enhances flavors.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Pungent and aromatic for that classic Korean punch.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and seasoning.
How to Make Budae Jjigae: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for 7 Delicious Servings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by mixing gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper in a small bowl until you have a smooth, fiery sauce. This is the soul of your stew, so make sure it’s well combined and lets those flavors marry beautifully while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Arrange Your Ingredients
Next, take your large wide pot or shallow Dutch oven and neatly arrange the sliced SPAM, hot dogs, ground meat, cubed tofu, chopped kimchi, sliced onion, mushrooms, cabbage, and baked beans in sections around the pot. This organized layering creates a stunning visual and helps each ingredient cook evenly without blending into a mush.
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Broth
Place the prepared sauce in the center of the pot, then gently pour the broth over everything. Be careful not to stir so the ingredients maintain their gorgeous arrangement. This method highlights each component’s flavor as it simmers.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and meats to fully cook through. The aroma escaping now is absolutely irresistible!
Step 5: Add Noodles and Cheese
Time to enrich your stew with ramen noodles and place American cheese slices on top. Simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes until the noodles are perfectly cooked and the cheese has melted into a luscious, velvety topping.
Step 6: Finish with Sesame Oil and Scallions
Drizzle sesame oil over the stew and scatter sliced scallions for that final fresh note and oily richness that ties it all together. Serve hot, straight from the pot, with steamed rice if you like, and prepare for happy, satisfied smiles all around!
How to Serve Budae Jjigae: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for 7 Delicious Servings Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling sliced scallions atop your Budae Jjigae adds a fresh bite and vibrant green color that contrasts beautifully with the deep reds and browns of the stew. For an extra touch, you might add a handful of sesame seeds or a few thin slices of fresh chili if you crave more heat.
Side Dishes
Serve this stew with simple steamed white rice, which is perfect for soaking up the rich broth. Traditional Korean side dishes, such as pickled radish or lightly seasoned spinach, also pair wonderfully, providing refreshing textures to balance the hearty stew.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and interactive meal, consider serving Budae Jjigae with a portable burner right at the table. Guests can help themselves directly from the pot, adding a communal and cozy vibe. You can also customize the stew by adding rice cakes, corn kernels, or extra vegetables to make it uniquely yours each time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Budae Jjigae keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, separate the broth and solid ingredients if possible, to maintain texture integrity. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month. When thawed, freshen the stew by adding fresh vegetables or scallions before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until bubbly and hot throughout. Adding a splash of broth can help revive the texture and loosen any thickened sauce. Avoid microwaving for best flavor and texture retention.
FAQs
Can I make Budae Jjigae vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the SPAM, hot dogs, and ground meat and replace the broth with vegetable broth. You can boost the umami by adding extra mushrooms and fermented soybean paste for a rich flavor.
What can I substitute for SPAM if I don’t like it?
Try smoked turkey or cooked sausage links for a similar smoky, meaty flavor. You can even use marinated tempeh or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe has a nice balance of heat and flavor thanks to the gochujang and gochugaru. You can easily adjust the spice level by using less chili flakes for milder heat or adding extra if you like it fiery.
Is it okay to make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and make sure your gochujang is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check the labels of processed items like instant noodles.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for a crowd?
Definitely. You can prep all your ingredients ahead and assemble it just before cooking. If you want, make the sauce and chop veggies the day before to save time when it’s mealtime.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring a burst of bold, spicy, and comforting Korean flavors to your table, you won’t regret trying the Budae Jjigae: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for 7 Delicious Servings Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of smoky meats, tangy kimchi, silky tofu, and spicy broth that invites everyone to share in a cozy feast. Go ahead, gather your loved ones, and serve up this unforgettable stew that truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Print
Budae Jjigae: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for 7 Delicious Servings Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
Budae Jjigae, also known as Korean Army Stew, is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that combines a variety of meats, vegetables, noodles, and a spicy sauce. This ultimate recipe serves 7 and delivers a comforting, spicy stew perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Broth and Meats
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or anchovy broth
- 1/2 pound SPAM, sliced into strips
- 1/2 pound hot dogs or smoked sausages, sliced
- 1/2 pound ground beef or pork
Vegetables and Tofu
- 1/2 block firm tofu, cubed
- 1 cup kimchi, chopped
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms (shiitake or enoki), cleaned and trimmed
- 1 cup napa cabbage or bok choy, chopped
- 1/2 cup baked beans
Noodles and Cheese
- 1 pack instant ramen noodles
- 2 slices American cheese
Finishing Touches
- 2 scallions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper until well combined. Set this spicy sauce mixture aside for later use.
- Arrange ingredients in pot: Using a large, wide pot or shallow Dutch oven, neatly arrange the SPAM strips, sliced hot dogs, ground meat, cubed tofu, chopped kimchi, sliced onion, mushrooms, chopped napa cabbage, and baked beans in sections around the pot. Place the prepared sauce mixture in the center of the pot without mixing.
- Add broth and cook: Gently pour the chicken or anchovy broth over the ingredients, avoiding stirring to maintain the layered presentation. Place the pot on medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the meats to cook thoroughly.
- Add noodles and cheese: Place the instant ramen noodles and slices of American cheese on top of the stew. Continue simmering for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the noodles are fully cooked and the cheese has melted.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the stew with sesame oil and sprinkle the sliced scallions on top. Serve the Budae Jjigae hot directly from the pot, optionally accompanied by steamed rice.
Notes
- Customize your stew by adding rice cakes, corn, or extra vegetables of your choice.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of gochugaru to taste.
- Using a portable burner allows you to serve the stew tableside and keep it warm throughout the meal.
