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
Scale
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.
