Korean Army Stew: Budae Jjigae

Introduction

Korean Army Stew, also known as Budae Jjigae, is a popular and hearty Korean stew that originated during the Korean War. It is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines traditional Korean ingredients with American canned goods like Spam, hot dogs, and baked beans. This unique fusion of flavors and cultural influences has made Budae Jjigae a beloved comfort food in Korea and around the world.

Ingredients

Here are the key ingredients you will need to make a delicious pot of Korean Army Stew:

• 2 cups of kimchi
• 4 cups of chicken or beef broth
• 1/2 block of tofu, cubed
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 150g of Spam, sliced
• 2 hot dogs, sliced
• 1 cup of baked beans
• 1 cup of sliced rice cakes
• 1/2 cup of instant ramen noodles
• 1 tablespoon of Korean chili paste (Gochujang)
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large pot, bring the chicken or beef broth to a boil over medium heat.
2. Add the kimchi, tofu, onion, mushrooms, scallions, Spam, and hot dogs to the pot.
3. Stir in the baked beans, rice cakes, and instant ramen noodles.
4. Season the stew with Korean chili paste, soy sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer the stew for about 10-15 minutes until all the ingredients are cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
6. Adjust the seasoning to taste and serve the Budae Jjigae hot with a bowl of steamed rice.

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Korean Army Stew with your family and friends, and experience a taste of Korean culinary history!

FAQ About Korean Army Stew: Budae Jjigae

What is Korean Army Stew: Budae Jjigae?

Korean Army Stew, known as Budae Jjigae in Korean, is a popular Korean hot pot dish. It originated during the Korean War when food was scarce, and people made a stew using leftover meats, canned goods, and kimchi.

What are the main ingredients in Budae Jjigae?

The key ingredients in Korean Army Stew include spam, hot dogs, sausages, canned baked beans, instant noodles, tofu, kimchi, sliced cheese, and various vegetables like mushrooms and scallions. These ingredients are cooked in a spicy broth made from gochujang (Korean chili paste) and other seasonings.

How is Budae Jjigae traditionally served?

Budae Jjigae is typically served in a large, communal pot placed on a portable gas stove at the center of the table. Diners add the ingredients to the bubbling broth as they eat, allowing the flavors to meld together. It is often enjoyed with a bowl of steamed rice on the side.

Is Budae Jjigae spicy?

Yes, Budae Jjigae is known for its spicy and savory flavors. The gochujang-based broth