why make this recipe
Budae Jjigae is warm, spicy, and full of flavor. It cooks fast and feeds many. You can use simple pantry items. It is a good choice for cold nights or a quick group meal.
introduction
Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew) mixes salty meats, kimchi, noodles, and a spicy broth. The stew began after the Korean War, when people added canned meats to a spicy soup. Today it is a tasty, easy dish that many people enjoy.
how to make Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)
Ingredients :
- 2 cups of water
- 1 package of instant ramen noodles
- 1 can of Spam, sliced
- 2 hot dogs or sausages, sliced
- 1 cup of kimchi, chopped
- 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- In a large pot, combine water, gochujang, and soy sauce, and bring to a boil.
- Add Spam, sausages, kimchi, mushrooms, and onion to the pot.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until flavors meld.
- Add ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes).
- Stir in sesame oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
how to serve Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)
Serve hot in the pot or in individual bowls. Offer extra rice or more noodles on the side. You can add extra gochujang or soy sauce so each person can adjust the taste.
how to store Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)
Let the stew cool to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat and add a splash of water if the soup is too thick.
tips to make Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)
- Slice ingredients evenly so they cook at the same time.
- If you like more spice, add extra gochujang or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh kimchi for more sourness, or older kimchi for deeper flavor.
- Add the noodles near the end so they do not get too soft.
variation (if any)
- Add tofu, rice cakes, or cheese for a different taste.
- Use different sausages or canned corned beef if you do not have Spam.
- Add vegetables like zucchini or spinach for more freshness.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this less spicy?
A: Yes. Use less gochujang and add more water or a little sugar to balance the heat.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Skip the Spam and sausages. Use vegetable broth and add tofu and extra mushrooms.
Q: How long does it take to cook?
A: About 20-25 minutes from start to finish if you use the listed ingredients.
Q: Can I freeze Budae Jjigae?
A: You can freeze the stew, but the noodles may get soft. Freeze without noodles for best results.
Conclusion
For a clear guide and more ideas on Budae Jjigae, see Budae Jjigae (Army Stew) – My Korean Kitchen.
Print
Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Budae Jjigae is a warm, spicy stew filled with meats, kimchi, and noodles, perfect for a quick group meal on cold nights.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of water
- 1 package of instant ramen noodles
- 1 can of Spam, sliced
- 2 hot dogs or sausages, sliced
- 1 cup of kimchi, chopped
- 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine water, gochujang, and soy sauce, and bring to a boil.
- Add Spam, sausages, kimchi, mushrooms, and onion to the pot.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until flavors meld.
- Add ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes).
- Stir in sesame oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
Slice ingredients evenly to ensure they cook at the same time. Adjust spiciness by varying the amount of gochujang and enjoy with rice or extra noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Budae Jjigae, Korean Army Stew, Spicy Stew, Quick Meal, Comfort Food