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Korean Army Stew (Budae Jjigae)

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Korean Army Stew, or Budae Jjigae, is a hearty and spicy hot pot dish combining Korean flavors with American-style processed meats, ramen, tofu, and vegetables. It’s a comforting, communal meal perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 cups chicken or anchovy broth
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), optional
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 100g Spam, sliced
  • 2 hot dogs, sliced diagonally
  • 1/2 cup kimchi, chopped
  • 1/2 cup enoki or button mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup firm tofu, sliced
  • 1/2 cup baked beans
  • 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • 1 pack instant ramen noodles
  • 1 slice American cheese
  • Cooked rice, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large shallow pot, combine broth, gochujang, soy sauce, gochugaru, and sugar. Stir to dissolve.
  2. Arrange Spam, hot dogs, kimchi, mushrooms, tofu, baked beans, onion, and green onion neatly around the pot.
  3. Place ramen noodles and American cheese on top.
  4. Bring the stew to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until ingredients are cooked through and noodles are soft.
  5. Stir gently to combine flavors. Serve hot with rice if desired.

Notes

  • Customize with other toppings like rice cakes, dumplings, or seafood.
  • Adjust spice level by reducing gochujang or skipping gochugaru.
  • This dish is great for sharing straight from the pot at the table.

Nutrition