Description

Korean Army Base Stew, or Budae Jjigae, is a hearty and flavorful Korean hot pot dish that combines spicy kimchi broth with an assortment of proteins like sausages, spam, tofu, and ramen noodles. This comforting stew is enhanced with gochujang and gochugaru for a spicy kick, and topped with melty cheese and fresh green onions, making it perfect for sharing on a chilly day.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

1 cup kimchi, chopped
4 cups chicken broth or water
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)

Proteins and Add-ins

2–3 sausages, sliced
1 cup spam or cooked ham, cubed
1 block firm tofu, sliced
½ cup baked beans (optional)

Carbohydrates and Vegetables

1 cup Korean rice cakes (tteok)
1 pack ramen noodles
1 bunch enoki mushrooms, trimmed

Toppings

1 slice cheddar or American cheese
2 stalks green onions, chopped

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Instructions

Prepare the broth: Set your pot over medium heat and pour in the chicken broth or water to warm it up while you prepare other ingredients.
Make the spice paste: In a small bowl, combine gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, minced garlic, sugar, and a small amount of the warmed broth. Mix well to form a smooth and flavorful spice paste.
Layer the ingredients: Arrange the chopped kimchi, sliced sausages, cubed spam, sliced tofu, trimmed enoki mushrooms, and Korean rice cakes neatly into the pot.
Add broth and spice paste, then simmer: Pour the warmed broth and prepared spice paste over the layered ingredients. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to cook through.
Cook ramen noodles: Add the ramen noodles to the simmering stew and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the noodles are tender and fully cooked.
Top with cheese and green onions: Place a slice of cheddar or American cheese on top of the hot stew along with chopped green onions. Allow the cheese to melt slightly into the stew for a creamy, rich finish.
Serve hot: Serve the stew directly from the pot with side dishes like steamed rice or extra kimchi if desired. Enjoy the warm, spicy flavors straight away.

Notes

Feel free to customize the protein selection by adding different types of sausages or ham according to your taste.
If you cannot find Korean rice cakes, you may substitute with mochi or omit them entirely.
Adding baked beans is optional but adds a slight sweetness and texture contrast.
For a spicier stew, increase the amount of gochujang or gochugaru according to your heat preference.
Use chicken broth for richer flavor, or water for a lighter version.
If cheese is not preferred, you can omit it or substitute with mozzarella for a different melt.
Serve with a side of steamed white rice to balance the heat and spice.