On a chilly evening, as the lights dim and the world outside feels a bit too cold, there’s nothing quite like the comforting warmth of a steaming bowl of Budae Jjigae (One-Pot Korean Army Stew) to wrap yourself in. This recipe blends the vibrant flavors of traditional Korean cuisine with a playful twist of American ingredients, creating a hearty stew that feels both nostalgic and adventurous. With a quick prep time and the magic of a single pot, this dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but a flexible canvas for your culinary creativity—a true testament to home cooking’s power to bring people together. Isn’t it time to bring the aromas of Korea into your kitchen? Why is Budae Jjigae a Must-Try? Comfort in a Bowl: This delightful one-pot meal brings the cozy essence of home-cooked goodness right to your table, making it perfect for family gatherings or a quiet night in. Flavor Fusion: With the unique blend of kimchi, Spam, and hearty noodles, you’ll embark on a flavor adventure that tantalizes your taste buds with every bite. Flexibility: Customize the ingredients based on your preference—whether you prefer extra veggies or a different protein, this dish adapts effortlessly to your needs. Quick and Easy: In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this hearty stew, turning dinnertime into a hassle-free affair. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Impress friends and family with a dish that’s both familiar and adventurous, making it a standout at any gathering. Serve it alongside your favorite kimchi and rice for a complete experience! Don’t forget to check out my recipe for Korean Pork Belly for another delicious twist on Korean comfort food! Budae Jjigae Ingredients For the Stew Spam – provides a savory, meaty flavor; substitute with any cooked ham or bacon if desired. Sausages – adds flavor and heartiness; use your favorite type like hot dogs or bratwurst. Tofu – contributes a soft texture and protein; omit for a meatier version if you prefer. Rice Cakes – offers a chewy texture; can be swapped for extra noodles if that’s more to your taste. Onion – enhances the base flavor; shallots or green onions can serve as great alternatives. Kimchi – infuses tanginess and heat, essential for an authentic touch; adjust based on your spice tolerance. Enoki Mushrooms – delivers a delicate, crunchy texture; any mushrooms like shiitake or button can work as substitutes. Ramen Noodles – acts as the filling component, soaking up the stew’s wonderful flavors; other noodle types can be used as well. For the Broth and Seasoning Chicken Broth – the stew’s base that adds depth; feel free to use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist. Gochugaru – Korean red pepper flakes adding heat; adjust to match your preferred spice level. Gochujang – Korean chili paste that enhances umami and spiciness; can be reduced for a milder flavor. Soy Sauce – contributes savory depth; tamari can be a gluten-free alternative. Mirin – brings sweetness and complexity; rice vinegar mixed with sugar can substitute in a pinch. Sugar – balances savory flavors; can be adjusted or omitted according to taste. Black Pepper – adds a mild heat; freshly cracked black pepper offers more flavor. Garlic – essential for aromatics; fresh is recommended for the best taste. Now that you’re equipped with the essentials for your Budae Jjigae, let’s get cooking and bring the comforting warmth of this one-pot Korean Army stew into your home! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Budae Jjigae (One-Pot Korean Army Stew) Step 1: Prepare the Sauce In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended, creating a rich, flavorful sauce. Set this mixture aside as it will bring depth and spice to your Budae Jjigae. Step 2: Layer Ingredients In a large, shallow pot, start layering your ingredients for the Budae Jjigae. Begin with slices of Spam, followed by your choice of sausages, tofu, rice cakes, and chopped onion. Next, sprinkle in the enoki mushrooms and add a generous amount of kimchi to enhance the stew’s flavor profile. This visual layering will create a beautiful base. Step 3: Add Broth and Sauce Once your ingredients are layered, pour the prepared sauce over them, ensuring an even coating. Carefully pour chicken broth into the pot until it just covers the ingredients. Cover the pot with a lid and heat it over medium-high heat until the broth comes to a gentle boil, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Step 4: Add Noodles As the pot reaches a boil, remove the lid and gently stir the stew. Add the ramen noodles, ensuring they’re submerged in the bubbling broth. Place the lid back on and let the noodles cook for about 4–5 minutes until they are tender, keeping an eye to prevent overcooking, as they should remain a bit chewy. Step 5: Garnish and Serve Once the noodles are ready, remove the pot from heat. Open the lid and give the stew a gentle stir to combine all the flavors. Serve the Budae Jjigae hot, garnishing with sliced green onions atop for a fresh pop of color. Pair it with steamed rice for a complete meal bursting with comforting flavors. Storage Tips for Budae Jjigae Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors of the Budae Jjigae will deepen over time, making it even more delicious upon reheating. Freezer: If you want to keep it longer, portion the stew into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, make sure the containers are tightly sealed. Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to bring back that lovely consistency. Room Temperature: It’s best not to leave Budae Jjigae out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety. Expert Tips for Budae Jjigae Ingredient Quality: Use fresh ingredients like kimchi and garlic for the best flavor. Stale ingredients can dull the richness of your one-pot stew. Customize Wisely: Feel free to mix up the proteins and vegetables based on your preference, but ensure balance to maintain the dish’s flavor integrity. Don’t Rush the Broth: Let the broth simmer long enough to develop depth. A lackluster broth can lead to a bland Budae Jjigae experience. Perfect Noodles: Keep an eye on the ramen noodles while cooking. They should be tender but not mushy; overcooking can ruin the perfect texture. Layer with Love: When adding ingredients, layer them gently to maintain their shape and enjoy the visual appeal of this hearty stew. Taste as You Go: Adjust flavors while cooking, especially with gochugaru and gochujang, to achieve your ideal level of spice in the Budae Jjigae. Budae Jjigae Variations & Substitutions Customize your Budae Jjigae and make it truly your own with these delightful variations that boost flavor and accommodate different tastes! Vegetable Boost: Add bok choy, carrots, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. These veggies not only enhance the dish’s healthiness but also add a lovely vibrant color. Protein Change: Substitute beef or pork for a heartier stew. Choose thinly sliced cuts to ensure they cook quickly and absorb all those delicious flavors. Seafood Swap: Opt for tender shrimp or flaky fish for a different take on this classic stew. The seafood infusion brings a fresh twist, inviting coastal echoes into your bowl. Dairy Delight: Top your stew with melted cheese for a creamy finish. The layer of gooey goodness adds richness, creating a comfort dish you won’t forget. Extra Spices: If you’re a heat seeker, amp up the gochugaru or add sliced jalapeños. Each bite will ignite your taste buds, making your Budae Jjigae unforgettable. Tofu Transformation: For a heartier version, replace tofu with chunked tempeh. This swap adds texture and offers a delightful, nutty flavor that complements the stew beautifully. Noodle Choice: Swap ramen for udon or rice noodles for a different texture experience. Each noodle type brings its own charm, making every bowl feel unique. Broth Variations: Use miso broth instead of chicken broth for a deeper umami flavor. This not only makes the dish vegetarian-friendly but also enriches the overall taste. With these variations, your Budae Jjigae can be a personalized masterpiece! For an equally satisfying dish, don’t forget to try my recipe for delicious Korean Pork Belly. Happy cooking! What to Serve with Budae Jjigae (One-Pot Korean Army Stew) There’s something magical about turning your Budae Jjigae into a delightful meal that embraces warmth and togetherness at your dinner table. Steamed Rice: The classic companion, fluffy rice absorbs the rich broth and complements the stew’s spiciness, elevating each bite. Kimchi: A must-have side, this tangy and spicy fermented dish enhances the overall flavor profile, adding depth and crunch. Korean Pancakes (Jeon): Crispy and savory, these pancakes add a delightful texture to balance the hearty stew. Pair them with a soy dipping sauce for an extra kick! Pickled Vegetables: A vibrant assortment of pickles brings brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the stew while adding fresh flavors. Spicy Cucumber Salad: A refreshing, crisp salad with a kick of heat is perfect for cleansing the palate and adding a fresh element to the meal. Korean Fried Chicken: For the adventurous, pairing with crispy fried chicken brings that perfect crunch to the table, creating a satisfying contrast to the stew’s heartiness. Soojae’s Wine Cocktail: Serve a light and fruity cocktail that complements the spice, providing a refreshing contrast with each delicious bite. Mochi Dessert: End the meal on a sweet note with chewy mochi; its delightful texture and sweetness act as a pleasant contrast to the savory Budae Jjigae. Make Ahead Options Budae Jjigae is perfect for meal prep, allowing busy home cooks to savor this comforting stew with ease. You can chop and prepare all the ingredients—including Spam, sausages, tofu, rice cakes, onion, and kimchi—up to 24 hours in advance. Simply refrigerate them in airtight containers to maintain their freshness; this will save you precious time when you’re ready to cook. When you’re set to serve, follow the usual cooking instructions, adding the prepared components to the pot with broth and sauce. The flavors will meld beautifully, making your Budae Jjigae just as delicious, if not more so, as it would be prepared fresh. Enjoy a cozy meal without the evening rush! Budae Jjigae (One-Pot Korean Army Stew) Recipe FAQs What ingredients should I use for the best flavor? Absolutely! For the best flavor, opt for fresh ingredients. Using homemade or quality kimchi can greatly enhance the taste of your Budae Jjigae, and fresh garlic is key for that aromatic punch. If you can, try to get your hands on some high-quality gochujang and gochugaru for that authentic spice and umami. How should I store leftovers of Budae Jjigae? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend letting it cool down to room temperature first before sealing it to avoid condensation. If you’re planning to eat it later, the flavors often deepen, making your stew even tastier upon reheating! Can I freeze Budae Jjigae? Yes! You can freeze your Budae Jjigae for up to 3 months. To do this, portion it into freezer-safe containers, making sure they’re airtight to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary to maintain consistency. What if my Budae Jjigae is too spicy? If your stew turns out spicier than expected, there are a couple of tricks to tone it down. You can add a little more broth or water to dilute the spice. Another great method is to incorporate additional ingredients such as tofu or noodles, which help absorb some of that heat. Just keep in mind, this may alter the overall balance of flavors! Can I customize Budae Jjigae for dietary needs? Very much so! If you are vegetarian, simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit meat. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce, and ensure all ingredients are labeled gluten-free. Additionally, feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or bok choy to amp up the nutrition while keeping it just as satisfying! How long should I cook the ramen noodles in the stew? The ramen noodles should be added once your Budae Jjigae is boiling and should cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. It’s crucial to keep an eye on them; you want them tender but still slightly chewy. If they become mushy, the dish loses that lovely texture, so timing is key! Hearty Budae Jjigae: Your Cozy One-Pot Korean Army Stew Enjoy the comforting warmth of Budae Jjigae, a delicious one-pot Korean Army stew perfect for chilly evenings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SoupCuisine: KoreanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Stew1 can Spam provides a savory, meaty flavor; substitute with any cooked ham or bacon if desired.2 pieces Sausages adds flavor and heartiness; use your favorite type like hot dogs or bratwurst.1 block Tofu contributes a soft texture and protein; omit for a meatier version if you prefer.200 grams Rice Cakes offers a chewy texture; can be swapped for extra noodles if that's more to your taste.1 piece Onion enhances the base flavor; shallots or green onions can serve as great alternatives.150 grams Kimchi infuses tanginess and heat, essential for an authentic touch; adjust based on your spice tolerance.100 grams Enoki Mushrooms delivers a delicate, crunchy texture; any mushrooms like shiitake or button can work as substitutes.1 pack Ramen Noodles acts as the filling component, soaking up the stew's wonderful flavors; other noodle types can be used as well.For the Broth and Seasoning4 cups Chicken Broth the stew's base that adds depth; feel free to use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.1 tablespoon Gochugaru Korean red pepper flakes adding heat; adjust to match your preferred spice level.2 tablespoons Gochujang Korean chili paste that enhances umami and spiciness; can be reduced for a milder flavor.3 tablespoons Soy Sauce contributes savory depth; tamari can be a gluten-free alternative.2 tablespoons Mirin brings sweetness and complexity; rice vinegar mixed with sugar can substitute in a pinch.1 teaspoon Sugar balances savory flavors; can be adjusted or omitted according to taste.1 teaspoon Black Pepper adds a mild heat; freshly cracked black pepper offers more flavor.3 cloves Garlic essential for aromatics; fresh is recommended for the best taste. Equipment large pot Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended, creating a rich, flavorful sauce. Set this mixture aside as it will bring depth and spice to your Budae Jjigae.In a large, shallow pot, start layering your ingredients for the Budae Jjigae. Begin with slices of Spam, followed by your choice of sausages, tofu, rice cakes, and chopped onion. Next, sprinkle in the enoki mushrooms and add a generous amount of kimchi to enhance the stew's flavor profile.Once your ingredients are layered, pour the prepared sauce over them, ensuring an even coating. Carefully pour chicken broth into the pot until it just covers the ingredients. Cover the pot with a lid and heat it over medium-high heat until the broth comes to a gentle boil, which should take about 5–7 minutes.As the pot reaches a boil, remove the lid and gently stir the stew. Add the ramen noodles, ensuring they’re submerged in the bubbling broth. Place the lid back on and let the noodles cook for about 4–5 minutes until they are tender.Once the noodles are ready, remove the pot from heat. Open the lid and give the stew a gentle stir to combine all the flavors. Serve the Budae Jjigae hot, garnishing with sliced green onions atop for a fresh pop of color. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg NotesUse fresh ingredients like kimchi and garlic for the best flavor. Customize proteins and vegetables while maintaining balance for flavor integrity. Let the broth simmer for depth, and watch the noodles carefully to avoid overcooking. Enjoy the visual appeal by layering ingredients gently. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
