Budae jjigae, also known as “army stew,” is a spicy Korean hot pot loaded with ramen, sausage, kimchi, and a mix of other delicious ingredients.
Craving a hearty, spicy punch to your taste buds? Look no further—in just a handful of steps, you’re about to create the ultimate, single-serving budae jjigae that’ll make you forget you’re dining alone. This Korean army stew packs flavor, fun, and everything in between. Ready for a culinary adventure worthy of your finest solo Netflix binge? Let’s get jiggy with jjigae!
Budae Jjigae – Army Stew Distilled Delight
This bubbling pot of spicy joy is like a hug from Korea’s culinary soldiers. Born from an inventive mash-up of post-war ingredients, Budae Jjigae is a hearty, soupy comfort that’s as much fun to eat as it is easy to make. Grab your chopsticks, soldier – it’s chow time!
- Cooking Method: Simmering
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine Type: Korean
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup kimchi, chopped
- 2 slices Spam, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 hot dog, sliced
- 1/2 cup tofu, cubed
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup instant ramen noodles (unboiled)
- 1 slice American cheese
Cooking Instructions
- In a medium-sized pot, bring 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup chicken stock to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of gochujang, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. Stir until combined.
- Throw in 1/4 cup of chopped kimchi and let it simmer for 5 minutes to release its tangy goodness.
- Carefully add 2 slices of Spam, 1 sliced hot dog, and 1/2 cup of cubed tofu. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of sliced mushrooms and 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add 1/4 cup of instant ramen noodles. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until noodles are just done. Al dente, please!
- Place 1 slice of American cheese on top and let it melt gloriously into the stew. This will take about a minute.
- Remove from heat and serve in the pot or a bowl. Enjoy!
Suggestions
- Alternative Ingredients: Substitute Spam with diced ham. Try Vienna sausages or bacon instead of a hot dog.
- Garnishing Options: Top with extra green onions, sesame seeds, or even a poached egg.
- Cooking Tips: Always taste and adjust seasoning. If it’s not spicy enough, a bit more gochujang won’t hurt!
