Korean Army Stew (Budae Jjigae)
Budae Jjigae—literally “army base stew”—is a hearty Korean one-pot meal combining tofu, Spam, sausages, kimchi, mushrooms, and ramen in a spicy, savory broth. Topped with a slice of cheese for extra creaminess and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it’s perfect for sharing family-style.
Ingredients
- ½ block firm tofu sliced
- ½ can spam or canned meat sliced
- 3 sausages sliced
- ½ medium onion sliced
- 2 stalks green onions cut into thirds (reserve some for garnish)
- ½ packet seafood mushrooms or 1 packet enoki mushrooms
- 1 slice American or cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup kimchi
- ¼ cup kimchi juice
- 1 instant ramen noodle
- 3.5 cups chicken broth or water
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Sauce
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1.5 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp gochugaru adjust to taste
- 4 cloves garlic minced or grated
Instructions
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
- Arrange tofu, spam, sausages, onion, green onions, and mushrooms in a shallow pot.
- Place kimchi and kimchi juice in the center.
- Add the sauce on top and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cover and cook for 6–8 minutes.
- Reduce heat, add the instant noodles to the center, and cook for 3–4 minutes.
- Top with cheese, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://mischacrossing.com/korean-army-stew-budae-jjigae/
Notes
- Broth Variation: Swap chicken broth for water plus 1 tsp bouillon powder or cube.
- Meat Options: Substitute Spam/sausage with sliced ham, bacon, or vegetarian sausage.
- Spice Control: Reduce gochugaru or omit kimchi juice for milder heat.