Spicy Kimchi Ramen Stew (Budae Jjigae Style)
Transform simple pantry staples into a comforting, spicy feast with this quick kimchi ramen stew, featuring savory luncheon meat, sausages, and silken tofu.
This kimchi ramen stew draws inspiration from the iconic Korean army stew, known for its bold, spicy flavors and satisfying variety of textures. It is the perfect way to elevate instant ramen into a hearty main meal. Quick to assemble and deeply savory, this stew captures the quintessential tang of aged kimchi balanced by the richness of processed meats and the softness of fresh tofu.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour kimchi
- 150 g luncheon meat
- 2-3 sausages
- 1 block ramen noodles
- 150 g firm tofu
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 500 ml water
- to taste salt
Instructions
- 1Stir-fry the sour kimchi
Add a tablespoon of oil to a pan and stir-fry the sour kimchi over medium heat until fragrant and slightly softened.
Tip: If your kimchi is fresh, you can add a drop of vinegar to mimic the tangy flavor of aged kimchi. - 2Add luncheon meat
Add the sliced luncheon meat to the pan with the kimchi, browning the meat slightly so it absorbs the savory kimchi flavors.
Tip: Cut the luncheon meat into uniform strips or slices for even cooking. - 3Add water
Pour an appropriate amount of water into the pan. This will form the base of your kimchi ramen stew.
Tip: Using warm water can help the stew come to a boil faster. - 4Add the sausages
Once the water in the pan has reached a boil, add the sliced sausages. Allow them to cook in the broth until they are heated through.
Tip: Adding the sausages after the water boils keeps them plump and juicy. - 5Season with chili powder
Once the water is boiling, add the two spoonfuls of chili powder to create a rich, spicy, and vibrant red broth.
Tip: Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your personal preference for heat. - 6Add the tofu
After the stew returns to a boil, gently add the tofu cubes. Be careful not to break the tofu while incorporating it into the broth.
Tip: Firm tofu works best for stews as it holds its shape during the cooking process. - 7Add the ramen noodles
Once the kimchi, luncheon meat, sausage, chili powder, and tofu have simmered together, gently place a block of ramen noodles into the bubbling stew.
Tip: Push the noodles down into the broth so they cook evenly and absorb the spicy kimchi flavors.
