Ultimate Korean Army Stew (Budae Jjigae)

Experience the ultimate comfort food with Budae Jjigae, a savory and spicy Korean fusion stew packed with savory meats, fresh vegetables, ramen, and melted cheese.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Korean chili paste
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 red onion
• 1 cup napa cabbage
• 1 pack enoki mushrooms
• 1 zucchini
• 200 g tofu
• 100 g fish cakes
• 4 crab sticks
• 1/2 cup rice cakes
• 1/2 cup kimchi
• 150 g fatty beef
• 2 sausages
• 1 pack instant noodles
• 1 slice cheese
• 1 egg
• to taste sesame seeds
• to taste fresh chili slices

Instructions

1. 1Mix the Sauce

   

   Combine Korean chili paste, chili powder, sugar, sesame oil, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a splash of water in a glass bowl, then mix thoroughly.

   Tip: Mix the sauce ingredients well beforehand so the flavors blend smoothly before adding them to the pot.
2. 2Layer the Base

   

   Arrange slices of red onion evenly across the bottom of a black cooking pot to create an aromatic foundation.

   Tip: Slice the onions uniformly so they cook evenly and release their sweetness into the broth.
3. 3Arrange Vegetables and Ingredients

   

   Neatly layer napa cabbage, enoki mushrooms, zucchini, tofu, fish cakes, crab sticks, and rice cakes over the onion base.

   Tip: Keep the ingredients well-organized in sections for an appealing presentation.
4. 4Add Kimchi and Beef

   

   Place portions of kimchi and thinly sliced fatty beef directly into the pot on top of the arranged ingredients.

   Tip: Kimchi adds a deep, tangy flavor as it simmers.
5. 5Pan-Fry the Sausage

   

   Slice the sausages into bite-sized rounds and sear them in a separate pan with a little oil until the edges become crispy and golden brown.

   Tip: Browning the sausage beforehand renders out delicious fats and adds a smoky depth to the overall stew.
6. 6Add Fried Sausage

   

   Transfer the freshly browned and crispy sausage pieces from the pan directly into the main cooking pot.

   Tip: Make sure to include any savory drippings from the pan into the pot for extra depth of flavor.
7. 7Pour Sauce and Water

   

   Pour the prepared chili sauce evenly over the ingredients in the pot, followed by enough water to cover.

   Tip: Ensure the water level is just right to let all the ingredients cook thoroughly without overflowing.
8. 8Add Noodles, Cheese, and Egg

   

   Place a block of instant noodles into the simmering pot, top with a slice of cheese, and crack an egg on top.

   Tip: Cover the pot and simmer for five to eight minutes until the noodles are cooked and the egg is set to your preference.

Storage & Reheating

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Frequently Asked Questions