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
Scale
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.
