If you love hearty, comforting dishes with a delightful kick of spice and a wonderful mix of textures, the Korean Army Base Stew Recipe is going to become one of your all-time favorites. This iconic Korean stew is a vibrant, flavor-packed medley of kimchi, savory meats, chewy rice cakes, and noodles all swimming in a rich, spicy broth topped off with melty cheese—making every bite incredibly satisfying and utterly soul-warming. Whether you’re gathering with friends or craving a cozy solo meal, this stew brings a fun, colorful, and delicious experience straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Korean Army Base Stew Recipe uses simple yet powerful ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays its part, from the spicy kimchi adding depth to the broth to the tender tofu and noodles providing heartiness and comfort.
- Kimchi (1 cup): Adds a tangy, fermented zest that’s the soul of the stew’s flavor.
- Gochujang (2 tablespoons): Korean chili paste that brings sweet heat and umami richness.
- Gochugaru (1 tablespoon): Korean chili flakes for an extra layer of smoky spice.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the stew with aromatic warmth and depth.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Provides savory saltiness and balances the heat.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle sweetness to round off the flavors.
- Chicken broth or water (4 cups): Forms the flavorful, comforting base of the stew.
- Firm tofu (1 block, sliced): Soaks up the broth and adds soft texture.
- Sausages (2–3, sliced): Bring smoky, meaty richness to the dish.
- Spam or cooked ham (1 cup, cubed): Adds a salty, savory layer that’s classic in army stew.
- Korean rice cakes (tteok) (1 cup): Chewy and fun, giving the stew great texture.
- Ramen noodles (1 pack): Slurp-worthy noodles that soak up all that delicious broth.
- Enoki mushrooms (1 bunch, trimmed): Delicate mushrooms for subtle earthiness and texture.
- Cheddar or American cheese (1 slice): Melts wonderfully to add creamy richness on top.
- Green onions (2 stalks, chopped): Fresh garnish that adds brightness and color.
- Baked beans (½ cup, optional): For a sweet, tomatoey twist inspired by the original military-base recipe.
How to Make Korean Army Base Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broth Base
Begin by setting your pot over medium heat and readying your chicken broth or water, which will act as the stew’s warming, flavorful base that ties all the ingredients together.
Step 2: Make the Spice Paste
In a small bowl, mix together gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, minced garlic, sugar, and a splash of the broth to form a vibrant and spicy paste that gives this Korean Army Base Stew Recipe its signature bold, savory punch.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Next, carefully layer the chopped kimchi, sliced sausages, cubed spam, tofu slices, enoki mushrooms, and rice cakes into the pot to build a colorful and appetizing foundation for the stew.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Pour in the remaining broth and stir in the spice paste you prepared. Bring the stew to a boil, then lower the heat and let it gently simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the ingredients to soften perfectly.
Step 5: Add the Ramen Noodles
Once the stew has simmered, add the ramen noodles and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the noodles are tender and have soaked up the delicious broth.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Green Onions
Top the stew with a slice of cheese and the chopped green onions. Let the cheese melt slightly over the hot stew to add a creamy, comforting layer that balances the rich spices beautifully.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Korean Army Base Stew Recipe hot and bubbling straight from the pot. It’s lovely alongside steamed rice or an extra helping of kimchi to enhance the flavors and provide crunch.
How to Serve Korean Army Base Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions and a slice of melty cheese are traditional and perfect, but you can also add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil to elevate the aroma and texture. These simple touches brighten up the dish and make it visually inviting.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, serve with bowls of steamed white rice and extra kimchi on the side. Pickled radish or simple cucumber salad also pair wonderfully, providing cool and crisp contrasts to the hearty stew.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching table, try serving this stew in individual stone bowls or deep ceramic pots that keep the stew hot throughout the meal. You can also set up a “build-your-own” station with additional toppings like boiled eggs, extra cheese, or chili flakes for a fun, interactive dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Korean Army Base Stew Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the noodles separate if possible to avoid them becoming overly soft or mushy.
Freezing
This stew freezes well without the noodles, which tend to change texture when frozen. Store the broth, meats, and vegetables in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then add fresh noodles when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little water or broth if it thickens too much. For best results, add fresh ramen noodles or rice cakes at this time to keep the textures perfect.
FAQs
Can I use beef instead of sausage and spam?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced beef works wonderfully in this stew and adds a rich, meaty flavor. Just brown it lightly before adding it to the pot for best results.
Is it possible to make this stew vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the meats and use vegetable broth instead. Add extra tofu, mushrooms, and perhaps some hearty root vegetables like potatoes or carrots for substance and flavor.
What level of spiciness should I expect?
This stew has a nice spicy kick thanks to the gochujang and gochugaru, but it is very customizable. Adjust the amount of chili paste and flakes to your tolerance for heat.
Can I use instant ramen noodles?
Instant ramen noodles work perfectly in this stew and make it quick and easy to prepare. If possible, use a plain flavor packet or discard it to let the stew’s flavors shine.
Why is it called Army Base Stew?
The dish originated from Korean army bases where soldiers made use of surplus ingredients like spam and baked beans to create a fulfilling meal. Its hearty and practical origins make it a beloved comfort food today.
Final Thoughts
This Korean Army Base Stew Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of vibrant flavors and comforting textures that can warm your heart and excite your taste buds. I can’t recommend it enough for a cozy weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests with something a bit different yet incredibly satisfying. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with every spicy, cheesy, savory spoonful!
Print
Korean Army Base Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
Korean Army Base Stew, also known as Budae Jjigae, is a hearty and flavorful Korean hot pot dish that combines spicy kimchi broth with a variety of savory ingredients including sausages, spam, tofu, rice cakes, and ramen noodles. Enhanced with a spicy gochujang and garlic paste, this stew is topped with melted cheese and fresh green onions, making it a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Broth and Seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup kimchi, chopped
- 2–3 sausages, sliced
- 1 cup spam or cooked ham, cubed
- 1 block firm tofu, sliced
- 1 bunch enoki mushrooms, trimmed
- 1 cup Korean rice cakes (tteok)
- 1 pack ramen noodles
- ½ cup baked beans (optional)
Toppings
- 1 slice cheddar or American cheese
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: Set your pot over medium heat and pour in the chicken broth or water to begin warming it up.
- Make the Spice Paste: In a small bowl, combine gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, minced garlic, sugar, and a small amount of the warmed broth. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth spice paste.
- Layer Ingredients: In the pot, layer the chopped kimchi, sliced sausages, cubed spam, sliced tofu, trimmed enoki mushrooms, and Korean rice cakes evenly.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the remaining broth and the prepared spice paste over the layered ingredients. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the ramen noodles to the simmering stew and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Add Toppings: Place a slice of cheddar or American cheese on top of the stew and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Allow the cheese to melt slightly over the hot stew before serving.
- Serve: Serve the Korean Army Base Stew hot directly from the pot, accompanied by steamed rice or extra kimchi on the side if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the sausage and spam with other protein options like hot dogs or sliced bacon for variation.
- For a vegetarian version, omit meat products and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, along with plant-based sausage alternatives.
- Add baked beans if you like a sweeter and unique texture contrast; this is optional but traditional in some versions.
- The cheese slice is crucial for adding a creamy, mellow balance to the spicy stew; use American or mild cheddar for best results.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the gochugaru and gochujang amounts to suit your heat preference.
- Serve immediately as the noodles will continue to soften if left standing too long.
