Name: Budae Jjigae (Army Stew)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 cups chicken stock (1 litre); 200 g SPAM (thinly sliced); 4 pieces cocktail Frankfurt sausages (thinly & diagonally sliced); 250 g tofu (sliced (about 1.5cm, 1/2 inch thickness)); 200 g enoki mushrooms (base stem removed & stems separated); 200 g king oyster mushrooms (thinly sliced length ways); 100 g shiitake mushroom caps (thinly sliced); 0.5 cup aged Kimchi (cut into bite sized pieces); 110 g instant ramen noodles; 50 g Korean rice cakes for soup (soaked in cold water for 15 mins if it was frozen); 30 g green onion (thinly & diagonally sliced); 1 to 2 slices cheese; 2 Tbsp Korean chili flakes (Gochugaru); 2 Tbsp rice wine (mirin); 1 Tbsp soy sauce; 1 Tbsp minced garlic; 0.5 Tbsp sugar; 0.5 Tbsp Korean chilli paste (Gochujang); ground black pepper (few sprinkles)

Introduction to Budae Jjigae

What is Budae Jjigae and Why is it a Must-Try?

Budae Jjigae, often referred to as Army Stew, is a beloved Korean hot pot dish that's brimming with flavor and history. This delightful stew combines a medley of ingredients, including Kimchi, SPAM, and instant ramen noodles, creating a unique and hearty meal that’s perfect for sharing. Originally developed in the aftermath of the Korean War, Budae Jjigae emerged from a creative fusion of local tradition and American military influence. Today, it symbolizes comfort food for many, evoking feelings of nostalgia and community.

So, why is Budae Jjigae a must-try? For starters, its rich, savory flavor profile is simply irresistible. The combination of seasoned chicken stock, succulent meats, and fresh vegetables comes together to create an unforgettable taste experience. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures, from the soft tofu to the satisfying chewiness of rice cakes.

Another reason you should add Budae Jjigae to your culinary bucket list is its versatility. Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences or what’s available in your kitchen. Whether you prefer Turkey Bacon, chicken ham, or various mushrooms, this dish can be tailored to suit your taste.

In addition to being delicious, Budae Jjigae is also a social dish, perfect for gatherings with friends and family. The communal nature of sharing a hot pot meal makes every dining experience a feast filled with laughter and conversation. For those who may not have the opportunity to enjoy a meal in Korea, making Budae Jjigae at home brings this cultural experience right to your kitchen.

If you're ready to explore bold flavors and warm your heart, let's dive into the full recipe for Budae Jjigae and embrace this sizzling slice of Korean culture!

Ingredients for Budae Jjigae

Budae Jjigae, also known as Army Stew, is a wonderfully hearty dish perfect for sharing with friends or family. The secret to a fantastic Budae Jjigae lies in its diverse and flavorful ingredients!

Main Ingredients

To build a delicious Budae Jjigae, you'll need the following components that combine to create rich, umami flavors:

4 cups chicken stock
This forms the soup base, providing deep flavor.
200 g SPAM
Thinly sliced for that unique taste and bite.
4 cocktail Frankfurt sausages (150g)
Diagonally sliced for easy eating.
250 g tofu
Cut into roughly 1.5cm thick slices, offering a soft texture.
200 g enoki mushrooms
Their delicate, slightly nutty flavor balances the dish nicely.
200 g king oyster mushrooms
Thinly sliced to enhance the texture.
100 g shiitake mushroom caps
These add a robust earthy taste.
½ cup aged Kimchi
For a tangy, spicy kick.
110 g instant ramen noodles
A staple, soaking up all the flavors.
50 g Korean rice cakes
Soaked if they're frozen, adding a chewy texture.
30 g green onion
Provides a pop of freshness at the end.
1 to 2 slices of cheese
This adds creaminess that melds beautifully into the broth.

Sauce Ingredients

The sauce really brings everything together. Mix these ingredients in a small bowl to amp up the flavor:

2 tablespoon Korean chili flakes (Gochugaru)
A must for authentic spice!
2 tablespoon rice vinegar
This alternative adds a bit of tang.
1 tablespoon soy sauce
For that savory depth.
1 tablespoon minced garlic
A flavor powerhouse.
½ tablespoon sugar
Balances out the spiciness.
½ tablespoon Korean chili paste (Gochujang)
Extra heat and richness.
Few sprinkles of ground black pepper
A finishing touch that enhances all flavors.

With these ingredients in hand, you're well on your way to making a delightful Budae Jjigae that your friends and family will rave about! If you’re curious about where to get these ingredients, explore local Asian markets or check out grocery stores with international sections. Happy cooking!

Preparing Budae Jjigae

Making Budae Jjigae, also known as Army Stew, is not only a practical choice for a satisfying meal but also a delightful culinary adventure. This Korean hot pot dish is famously hearty and comforting, brimming with flavor and variety. Ready to dive in? Let’s walk through the key steps in preparing this beloved dish.

Gather All Your Ingredients

Before you embark on your cooking journey, it’s essential to gather all your ingredients. You’ll want to ensure you have everything on hand to make the process smoother. Here’s a handy checklist to help you out:

Main Ingredients:

4 cups chicken stock
200 g SPAM, thinly sliced
4 cocktail Frankfurt sausages, thinly sliced
250 g tofu, sliced into 1.5 cm thick pieces
200 g enoki mushrooms
200 g king oyster mushrooms, thinly sliced
100 g shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
½ cup aged kimchi, chopped
110 g instant ramen noodles
50 g Korean rice cakes, soaked if frozen
30 g green onion, thinly sliced
1 to 2 slices of cheese

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoon Korean chili flakes (Gochugaru)
2 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon minced garlic
½ tablespoon sugar
½ tablespoon Korean chili paste (Gochujang)
Ground black pepper to taste

You can find some fantastic Korean ingredients at local Asian grocery stores or online retailers. Having quality ingredients makes a world of difference in flavor, so don’t skimp!

Assemble the Base in Your Pot

Now that you have your ingredients sorted, it’s time to assemble the base of your Budae Jjigae. Use a shallow pot for this dish to ensure even cooking.

Start by placing the sliced SPAM, sausages, tofu, mushrooms, and aged kimchi in the pot.
Spread them out evenly, which allows for better heat distribution and flavor melding.
Remember to put the sauce mix in the center of the pot before pouring the chicken stock around the edges. This technique helps keep the flavors distinct until everything starts to cook.

Cover the pot and cook over medium-high heat until the stock begins to boil, which should take about 8 minutes. You might want to check occasionally and stir gently to combine the flavors as they begin to mingle.

Mix the Tasty Sauce

While your pot is coming to a lovely boil, let’s whip up the sauce. In a small bowl, mix the Korean chili flakes, rice vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, sugar, Gochujang, and black pepper. This rich sauce is what makes Budae Jjigae so addictive.

The combination of spice, sweetness, and umami will tantalize your taste buds! Be sure to taste the sauce before adding it to the pot to see if you’d like to adjust any seasoning. Don’t hesitate to play around; after all, cooking is all about expressing your personal flavor!

Cooking the Stew

Once your mixed ingredients smell divine and are bubbling away, it’s time to complete your stew.

Add the soaked Korean rice cakes, followed by the instant ramen noodles, and give it another gentle stir.
Allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the noodles are cooked.
Keep your heat on low if you're using a portable burner, especially if you’re serving this dish at the dining table. The communal aspect of Budae Jjigae is part of its charm!

Finalizing with Noodles and Garnishes

As the cooking comes to an end, it’s time for those finishing touches. After the noodles have softened and the stew looks luscious and inviting, sprinkle the thinly sliced green onions on top.

Finally, add your cheese slices—because who can resist the melty goodness of cheese in hot pot dishes? Serve the Budae Jjigae with steamed rice and a selection of Korean side dishes, or banchan, to complement the rich flavors. Sharing this dish with friends or family creates an enjoyable, interactive dining experience that embodies the spirit of comfort food.

With these steps and a bit of enthusiasm, making your own Budae Jjigae will be not just a meal but a memorable event. Happy cooking!

Variations on Budae Jjigae

Vegetarian options for Budae Jjigae

If you're looking to enjoy Budae Jjigae without the meat, there are endless possibilities! Start by replacing the protein ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Tofu works wonderfully, and you can use tempeh for an extra protein punch. For added texture, consider incorporating a mix of hearty vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots. You can even toss in some chickpeas for an extra dose of fiber.

To boost flavor, try flavor-packed vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and remember to add extra aged kimchi for that signature tanginess. You’ll be surprised by how satisfying a vegetarian version can be!

Spicy variations for the daring

For those who thrive on spice, don't hold back when crafting your Budae Jjigae! Along with the traditional Korean chili flakes (gochugaru), introduce some fire by using gochujang (Korean chili paste) in greater quantities. Feel free to add in some sliced jalapeños or bird's eye chilies for an island of heat in each bite.

For a smoky twist, consider incorporating chipotle peppers. They’ll lend an additional layer of complexity that truly transforms the dish. Plus, you might want to serve some hot pepper flakes on the side for those who want to kick it up another notch. With these spicy variations, your Budae Jjigae will be a flavor explosion that’ll leave you reaching for seconds!

For more ideas, check out this Korean cooking resource for inspiration.

Cooking tips and notes for Budae Jjigae

Achieving the perfect broth

The foundation of a delicious Budae Jjigae lies in its broth. Using a rich chicken stock, ideally homemade, will elevate your stew's flavor. To deepen the taste, add a splash of soy sauce, some Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), and a touch of sugar to balance the spices. Don’t forget to let it simmer; this helps all the flavors meld beautifully into a warming, savory broth.

Enhancing flavors with additional ingredients

Don’t hesitate to get creative! While classic ingredients like sliced SPAM and Frankfurt sausages are essential, consider adding some turkey bacon or chicken ham for extra richness. Fresh veggies like zucchini or bok choy can also be tossed in for added texture and nutrients. If you enjoy a little heat, a dash of extra Gochujang will spice things up.

Want to learn more about Korean cuisine? Check out Maangchi for additional insights and recipes!

Serving suggestions for Budae Jjigae

Ideal sides and accompaniments

When enjoying Budae Jjigae, rounding out your meal with the right sides can elevate the whole experience. Here are some delicious complements to consider:

Steamed rice: A bowl of fluffy white rice is the perfect base to soak up the rich and savory broth. Plus, it balances the spice from the stew beautifully.
Kimchi: Adding a side of freshly fermented kimchi intensifies the Korean flavor profile and supports gut health with its probiotics.
Korean pancake: Try serving Budae Jjigae with a crispy pajeon (green onion pancake) for a delightful textural contrast.
Pickled vegetables: Something tangy like pickled radish pairs perfectly, cleansing your palate between bites.

These sides not only enhance the meal but also make it a feast worth sharing!

Time Breakdown for Budae Jjigae

Preparation time
Ready to get started? You’ll need about 20 minutes to prep your ingredients, like slicing the spam, mushrooms, and tofu. This step is where you can let your creativity shine as you set everything up for the pot!

Cooking time
Once all your ingredients are in place, it only takes about 10 minutes for the magic to happen on the stove. Bring everything together in a pot, and just let the flavors meld until the noodles are perfectly tender.

Total time
In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm, hearty dish of Budae Jjigae on the table. It’s a quick yet fulfilling meal, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with friends. Dive into a bowl of this delicious stew and see how comforting it truly is!

For more tips on preparing delicious meals, check out resources like The Spruce Eats or Serious Eats for inspiration.

Nutritional Facts for Budae Jjigae

Calories

If you're wondering about the caloric content of Budae Jjigae, one serving packs approximately 653 calories. While it sounds substantial, remember that it encompasses a hearty mix of nourishing ingredients.

Protein

What’s better than indulging in comfort food that’s also rich in protein? A serving of Budae Jjigae provides around 31 grams of protein, thanks to ingredients like tofu, enoki mushrooms, and flavorful sausages. It's a great choice for a post-workout meal or anytime you want to refuel!

Sodium

It’s important to note that this delicious stew does come with a sodium content of about 2398 mg per serving, primarily from the stock, kimchi, and sauces. If you’re watching your salt intake, consider using low-sodium broth and adjusting the sauces to keep your taste buds satisfied while being mindful of your health.

For more insights into the nutritional benefits of Korean cuisine, feel free to explore resources from the Korean Nutrition Society or the USDA FoodData Central. Enjoy your journey into cooking and savoring Budae Jjigae!

FAQs about Budae Jjigae

Can I make Budae Jjigae ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep your Budae Jjigae ingredients the night before. Chop the vegetables and meats, store them in the fridge, and assemble them in the pot when you're ready to cook. However, for the best flavor and texture, it's best to enjoy the stew fresh. If you don’t mind slightly softened noodles, reheating leftovers works fine too.

What if I can't find some ingredients?

No worries! Budae Jjigae is versatile. If you can't find specific ingredients like Korean rice cakes, you can substitute with regular rice or other noodles. For the meats, feel free to swap spam with turkey bacon or chicken ham – it’ll still be delicious.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of chicken stock to keep it soupy and prevent the noodles from getting too mushy. Just warm it on the stove or microwave until it's heated through, and you're good to go!

Conclusion on Budae Jjigae

Why you should give Budae Jjigae a try today!

Budae Jjigae is a delightful fusion of flavors that captivates taste buds and warms the soul. Packed with an array of ingredients, it’s perfect for cozy gatherings with friends. If you’re seeking comfort food that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, why wait? Dive into this culinary adventure today!