Classic Korean Army Stew (Budae Jjigae)

A flavorful and comforting Korean fusion stew, combining spicy kimchi broth with savory meats, mushrooms, and tofu for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp Korean chili paste
• 4 tbsp light soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 200 g minced pork
• 1 tbsp cooking wine
• 1 onion
• 100 g Spam
• 100 g sausage
• 100 g bacon
• 1 zucchini
• 1 pack enoki mushrooms
• 1 pack shimeji mushrooms
• 1 pack tofu
• 1 cup kimchi
• 1/2 cup rice cakes
• to taste scallions
• optional fresh chili peppers

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the hot pot base

   

   In a glass bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of chili powder, 2 tablespoons of Korean chili paste, 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and a suitable amount of water. Stir until the mixture is uniform.

   Tip: Ensure the chili paste is fully incorporated into the liquid to avoid clumps.
2. 2Marinate the minced pork

   

   Place 200g of minced pork in a white bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cooking wine, and a dash of pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed and to help neutralize the gamey odor.

   Tip: Mixing the pork well helps create a better texture for the meatballs.
3. 3Prepare vegetables and aromatics

   

   Carefully slice the scallions into sections, cut the zucchini into rounds, slice the sausage, cut the tofu into blocks, and slice the onion into thin strips on a cutting board.

   Tip: Keep your knife sharp for clean cuts on the vegetables and tofu.
4. 4Assemble the hot pot

   

   Arrange the ingredients in the pot, starting with the onion strips at the base. Layer the Spam, sausage, bacon, zucchini, enoki mushrooms, shimeji mushrooms, scallions, rice cakes, and tofu. Finally, add the kimchi on top.

   Tip: Layering the vegetables at the bottom helps create a flavorful foundation for the broth.
5. 5Add sauce and broth

   

   Pour the prepared chili sauce mixture over the ingredients in the pot, then add fresh chili peppers if desired. Finally, pour in enough water to cover all the ingredients.

   Tip: Pour water slowly to avoid splashing the sauce mixture out of the pot.
6. 6Simmer the stew

   

   Place a glass lid on the pot to trap the heat and steam. Allow the Korean Army Stew to cook for 20 minutes until all ingredients are tender and well-infused with flavor.

   Tip: Cooking with the lid on helps the ingredients cook evenly and preserves the aromatics.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions