Korean Army Stew (Budae Jjigae)
Rice Cakes

Make comforting Korean army stew at home with a savory broth, rich chili seasoning, instant noodles, ham, rice cakes, and melted cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 onion
• 80 g Korean chili paste
• 1 tbsp beef powder
• 1 tbsp white sugar
• 1 pinch pepper powder
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 2 tbsp cooking wine
• 1 handful minced garlic
• to taste Korean chili powder
• a few slices ginger
• 1 portion cabbage
• 1 zucchini
• 1 pack enoki mushrooms
• 1 pack ham slices
• 1 bunch crown daisy
• 1 pack cheese rice cakes
• 1 pack meatballs
• 1 pack Shantou fish cakes
• 1 pack beef rolls
• 1 cup spicy cabbage kimchi
• 1 pack instant noodles
• 1 pack cheese

Instructions

1. 1Boil Onion Broth Base

   

   Add onion slices into a pot of water and bring to a boil. Cook for two to three minutes, then remove the onions to create a flavorful base broth.

   Tip: Beef bone broth is best if available, but simple water with onions works well for a flavorful start.
2. 2Prepare Seasoning Paste

   

   In a mixing bowl, combine Korean chili paste, beef powder, white sugar, pepper powder, light soy sauce, cooking wine, minced garlic, Korean chili powder, and ginger slices. Stir well to form a cohesive seasoning mixture.

   Tip: Beef powder is considered the soul of the dish, giving it a rich savory depth.
3. 3Combine Broth and Seasoning

   

   Add the prepared seasoning mixture to the boiling onion water base and bring everything back to a boil to dissolve the paste completely.

   Tip: Stir well to ensure the chili paste is fully incorporated into the broth.
4. 4Arrange Vegetable Base

   

   In a shallow cooking pot, neatly arrange layers of fresh cabbage, sliced zucchini, and enoki mushrooms as the bottom foundation.

   Tip: Layering the vegetables evenly ensures they cook uniformly and absorb the savory broth.
5. 5Add Meats and Rice Cakes

   

   Add ham slices, crown daisy, cheese rice cakes, and meatballs into the pot alongside the vegetables.

   Tip: Cheese rice cakes add a delightful gooey center as the stew simmers.
6. 6Complete Pot Arrangement

   

   Add Shantou fish cakes, beef rolls, and spicy cabbage kimchi to complete the arrangement, then top with remaining onion slices.

   Tip: Arrange ingredients neatly around the pot for an appealing presentation before pouring the broth.
7. 7Pour Broth and Simmer

   

   Pour the prepared seasoned broth over all the arranged ingredients. Add instant noodles, sprinkle generously with cheese, and simmer on low heat until the cheese melts and everything is cooked through.

   Tip: Keep the heat low while serving at the table so the stew stays hot and bubbling.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions