Classic Korean Army Stew Recipe – A Comforting Meal for Any Occasion

Korean Army Stew, or Budae Jjigae, is a hearty, spicy stew brimming with unique flavors that are sure to please any palate. This comforting meal is made with a medley of ingredients that can include Spam, ramen noodles, and kimchi, and it can be easily prepared at home. With a little bit of creativity, you can customize this stew to your liking.

Ingredients

Basic Stew

The base of any Army Stew is a delicious, flavorful broth. You can use beef or pork stock, depending on your preference. From there, you can add some of your favorite salty seasonings, such as garlic, onion, gochujang (Korean red pepper paste), and doenjang (fermented soybean paste).

Proteins and Vegetables

No Army Stew is complete without adding protein and vegetables. Try using thinly sliced beef, chicken, Spam, sausages, and/or tofu, and pair it with mushrooms, cabbage, kimchi, and your other favorite vegetables.

Instructions

Start by sautéing your meat and vegetables together in a large pot or wok. If you don’t have a large enough pot, you can use two smaller pots to separate the vegetables and the proteins. When they are thoroughly cooked, pour in your prepared stock or broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

Once the stew has finished boiling, add some ramen noodles or other noodles of your choice, such as udon or soba noodles. Cook the noodles until they are al dente.

Turn off the heat and stir in your desired seasonings. This is your chance to make the stew as spicy or as mild as you wish.

Your Korean Army Stew is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it up in a large bowl and let everyone help themselves.

Summary

Korean Army Stew, or Budae Jjigae, is an easy and delicious meal to make at home. It is a comforting one-pot meal that combines a flavorful broth with proteins such as beef, chicken, and Spam, as well as vegetables such as mushrooms, cabbage, and kimchi. In just a few simple steps, you can enjoy this classic dish with friends and family. To learn more about this traditional Korean dish, visit The Spruce Eats.