Classic Korean Army Stew (Budae Jjigae)
A savory and spicy Korean comfort stew, Budae Jjigae brings together luncheon meat, kimchi, and melted cheese in a rich, bubbling broth perfect for sharing.
Budae Jjigae, or Army Stew, is a beloved Korean fusion dish born from necessity and resourcefulness. It creatively combines traditional ingredients like kimchi and gochujang with accessible canned goods like luncheon meat to create a hearty, comforting stew that has become a staple of Korean dining culture.
Ingredients
- 200 g luncheon meat
- 150 g kimchi
- 1 slice processed cheese
- 50 g enoki mushrooms
- 50 g shiitake mushrooms
- 50 g fish cakes
- 50 g cabbage
- 1/2 unit onion
- 2 tbsp Korean spicy sauce (gochujang base)
- 300 ml water or broth
- optional chopped green onions
- optional small chili peppers
Instructions
- 1Prepare the base ingredients
Begin by arranging a variety of fresh ingredients in a wide metal pot. Layer cabbage leaves at the bottom, followed by sliced onions, assorted mushrooms, fish cakes, and neatly sliced luncheon meat to create the foundation for your Budae Jjigae.
Tip: Arrange the ingredients in organized sections around the pot to ensure even cooking and an appealing presentation. - 2Add the spicy sauce
Pour your prepared Korean spicy sauce evenly over the arranged ingredients in the pot. The sauce will seep down into the layers, infusing the vegetables, meat, and fish cakes with its signature bold and savory heat as it begins to cook.
Tip: Dilute the spicy sauce slightly with a bit of broth or water before pouring if you prefer a more even distribution across the ingredients. - 3Add kimchi and cheese
Using chopsticks, carefully place a portion of vibrant Korean kimchi into the pot. Top the ingredients with a single slice of processed cheese, which will melt during the simmering process to add a creamy, rich depth to the spicy broth.
Tip: Placing the cheese right before adding water and covering the pot ensures it melts perfectly into the broth during the simmer. - 4Simmer the stew
Pour a small amount of clear water into the pot to create the base of the stew. Cover the pot with its lid and allow it to simmer over medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, letting all the flavors meld together into a delicious Budae Jjigae.
Tip: Keep the heat at medium-low to prevent the broth from boiling over and to allow the ingredients to cook thoroughly without burning.
