Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Base Stew) 部隊鍋

Budae Jjigae is a Korean army base stew with origins from the Korean War era. This hearty one-pot dish combines processed meats (spam, sausages, hot dogs), kimchi, glass noodles, baked beans, tofu, and fresh vegetables in a spicy, savory broth. It's cooked and served in a bubbling hot pot at the table, meant for sharing among 2-4 people. The blend of Western processed ingredients with Korean spices creates a uniquely comforting dish.

Nutrition (per serving)

Ingredients

• 200g Spam
• 150g Sausage
• 150g Hot dog
• 200g Kimchi
• 100g Firm tofu
• 100g Glass noodles
• 100g Instant ramen noodles
• 100g Baked beans in tomato sauce
• 150g Shiitake mushroom
• 4 stalks Scallion
• 8 leaves Perilla leaf
• 800ml Beef stock
• 200ml Gochujang (Korean red chili paste) broth
• 2tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
• 1tbsp Soy sauce
• 1tbsp Sesame oil
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 1tsp Sugar
• 1tbsp Sesame seeds

Steps

1. Slice Spam into 1cm thick pieces. Cut Sausage and Hot dog into 2cm diagonal slices. Cut Kimchi into bite-sized pieces.
2. Slice Firm tofu into 1.5cm cubes. Slice Shiitake mushroom. Cut Scallion into 3cm segments. Have Glass noodles and Instant ramen noodles ready.
3. In a Korean stone hot pot (or heavy-bottomed pot), combine Beef stock, Gochujang broth base, Gochugaru, Soy sauce, Sesame oil, Garlic, and Sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Arrange Spam, Sausage, and Hot dog slices around the pot in a circle. Push them into the broth slightly.
5. Add Shiitake mushroom slices and Firm tofu cubes to the broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Add Glass noodles and Kimchi pieces to the broth. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until noodles are soft.
7. Add Instant ramen noodles and break them up gently. Add Baked beans. Simmer for 3 minutes until noodles are cooked.
8. Top with Scallion segments and Perilla leaves. Drizzle with a bit more Sesame oil.
9. Garnish with Sesame seeds. Serve immediately in the hot pot at the table while bubbling. Each person eats directly from the communal pot.

Related recipes

More Korean recipesPork recipes

Korean Dakgalbi Quick Stir-fry Sundubu-jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew) Kimchi Stir-fried Pork Bingsu (Korean Shaved Ice) Korean BBQ Beef (Bulgogi) Spicy Stir-fried Rice Cakes (Tteokbokki)