Classic Korean Army Stew (Budae Jjigae)

A rich, spicy Korean comfort classic. This hearty stew combines Spam, sausages, and ramen noodles in a savory kimchi-based broth for the ultimate indulgence.

Ingredients

• 200 g Spam
• 4 sausages
• 100 g kimchi
• 1 block instant ramen
• 100 g tofu
• 4 crab sticks
• 100 g king oyster mushrooms
• 2 green onions
• 1 tbsp Korean chili paste (gochujang)
• 2 tbsp kimchi juice
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 slice processed cheese
• to taste rice cakes (optional)
• to taste fish cakes (optional)
• to taste enoki mushrooms (optional)

Instructions

1. 1Sear the Spam

   

   Place the Spam slices into a pan and fry over medium heat until both sides are golden brown and crispy. This creates a savory base for the army stew.

   Tip: Fry until the edges are slightly charred for extra texture.
2. 2Prepare the sausages

   

   Cut the ends of the sausages into thin strips to resemble small squids. Pan-fry them until the tentacles curl up and they are heated through.

   Tip: Be careful not to overcook the thin strips as they can burn quickly.
3. 3Sauté green onions

   

   Add chopped green onions to the pan with a little oil. Sauté until they are softened and fragrant.

   Tip: Sautéing the white parts of the green onion first helps build a savory base.
4. 4Sauté the kimchi

   

   Add the kimchi to the pan with the sautéed green onions. Continue to sauté for a few minutes until the kimchi softens and develops a deeper flavor.

   Tip: Using fermented kimchi will provide a better depth of flavor to the stew.
5. 5Add chili paste

   

   Incorporate a spoonful of Korean chili paste (gochujang) into the pan with the kimchi. Stir well to ensure the paste is evenly distributed and coats the ingredients.

   Tip: Adjust the amount of chili paste based on your desired spice level.
6. 6Season the stew

   

   Sprinkle the seasoning packet from the ramen package directly into the pan. Mix well to combine all the spicy and savory flavors.

   Tip: The ramen seasoning adds an instant boost of umami to the stew base.
7. 7Add the Mushrooms

   

   Toss the sliced king oyster mushrooms into the pan with the spicy seasoning base. Stir everything together until the mushrooms are evenly coated with the vibrant red sauce.

   Tip: King oyster mushrooms have a satisfying, meaty texture that absorbs the spicy flavors perfectly.
8. 8Assemble the Ingredients

   

   Carefully arrange the sliced Spam, crab sticks, sausages, rice cakes, fish cakes, and enoki mushrooms in an even layer around the pan. Keeping the ingredients grouped into neat sections creates the classic, appetizing presentation of an army stew.

   Tip: Pack the ingredients snugly so they stay neatly in place once the liquids are poured in.
9. 9Pour in the Water

   

   Pour boiling water directly into the pan over the neatly arranged ingredients, including the freshly added blocks of tofu. Using hot water brings the stew to a boil much faster and preserves the texture of the meats and vegetables.

   Tip: Add just enough water to partially submerge the ingredients—you want a rich stew, not a thin soup.
10. 10Add the Seasoning Liquids

    

    Pour the mixture of kimchi juice and soy sauce directly over the assembled ingredients. This deeply savory, tangy, and spicy liquid forms the foundational flavor profile of a traditional Korean army stew.

    Tip: Adjust the amount of kimchi juice based on your preference for tanginess and heat.
11. 11Add the Ramen Noodles

    

    Place a block of dry instant ramen noodles right in the center, resting securely on top of the other ingredients. Allow the stew to simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes until the noodles become delightfully soft and chewy.

    Tip: Right before serving, lay a slice of cheese over the hot noodles to melt for a rich, creamy finish.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions