Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Base Stew)
Local name: 부대찌개
In short: Sausages, canned luncheon meat, kimchi, tofu and instant noodles in a spicy, savory broth, a bubbling Korean communal pot topped with melted cheese. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 560 kcal
Budae jjigae, or army base stew, is a Korean pot that began in the lean years after the war, when cooks combined sausage, canned meat and other supplied foods with kimchi and chili paste. Today it is a party favorite cooked at the table in a wide pan. The broth is spicy and savory, the noodles soak it up, and a slice of processed cheese melts into the soup. It is meant for sharing.
Instructions
- Mix the chili flakes, gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, garlic and pepper in a small bowl.
- In a wide, shallow pot, arrange the kimchi, onion, luncheon meat, sausages, tofu, mushrooms and rice cakes in separate sections. Put the seasoning mixture in the center and pour in the stock.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower to medium and simmer for 10 minutes, until the sausages are hot and the seasoning has dissolved into the broth.
- Add the baked beans and noodles. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the noodles are tender, folding them into the broth. Add a splash of water if the pot looks dry.
- Lay the cheese slices on top, scatter over the scallions and cook for 1 minute, until the cheese starts to melt.
- Serve straight from the pot, ladling portions into bowls. Eat the noodles right away, before they soften too much.
Tips
- Add the noodles last or they turn mushy. For a milder pot, use 1 tbsp of chili flakes and an extra pinch of sugar.
- Sliced pork belly or bacon can replace the luncheon meat. Use sour kimchi, since fresh kimchi gives a flatter broth.
Questions and answers
Why is it called army base stew?
The stew appeared after the Korean War, when cooks used surplus foods from army bases, such as sausage and canned meat, together with local kimchi and chili paste.
Can I make budae jjigae without canned luncheon meat?
Yes. Use extra sausage, or sliced pork belly, bacon or ham. The stew works with whatever cured or smoked meats you like.
How do I keep the noodles from getting soggy?
Add them at the very end and eat them first. Instant noodles soak up broth quickly, so do not let them sit in the pot for long.
How long does it take to make Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Base Stew)?
About 40 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Base Stew)?
About 560 kcal per serving, with 22 g of protein, 40 g of carbohydrates and 35 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 560 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 35 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 2200 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
