Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon
A steaming bowl of Korean Army Stew (Budae Jjigae) filled with sausages, Spam, vegetables, and melted cheese, garnished with green onions.

Korean Army Stew (Budae Jjigae) – Cook With Dana

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Korean Army Stew (Budae Jjigae) is a hearty, flavorful comfort food combining Korean culinary flavors with American influences. This iconic spicy stew features noodles, meats, kimchi, and vegetables, making it perfect for sharing and enjoying a taste of Korea at home. Rich in savory and spicy notes, it offers a satisfying and nostalgic experience that elevates your home-cooked meal.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 300g of instant ramen noodles (or other preferred noodles)
  • 200g of sliced ham or luncheon meat
  • 150g of sauerkraut or kimchi
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 cups of beef broth or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp of gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tbsp of soy sauce
  • 1 tsp of minced garlic
  • 1/2 tsp of sugar
  • Optional: spam, hot dogs, sliced cheese, rice cakes (tteok), baked beans

Instructions

  1. Begin by slicing your ham, onion, and green onions. Measure out the broth, gochujang, soy sauce, and other ingredients. Prepare rice cakes and baked beans if using.
  2. In a large pot, combine the broth, gochujang, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sugar. Stir well until the chili paste dissolves. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  3. Add sliced ham, luncheon meat, kimchi or sauerkraut, and sliced onions to the boiling broth. Layer ingredients for flavor. Add rice cakes or baked beans now if desired.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Add noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender and absorbed in the broth. Top with cheese if preferred.
  6. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot directly from the pot for an authentic Korean experience.

Notes

  • Feel free to customize the meats and vegetables for your taste preferences.
  • Adjust spice levels by adding or reducing gochujang.
  • Adding cheese enhances richness; experiment with toppings.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit meats and use extra vegetables and vegetable broth.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Korean
  • Diet: Flexible/Can be vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 450 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 1600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 20 g