Classic Korean Budae Jjigae (Army Stew)

A comforting, spicy Korean fusion stew loaded with instant ramen, savory meats, and melty cheese. This iconic one-pot meal is the ultimate balance of bold, savory, and spicy flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Korean chili paste (gochujang)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 packet spicy instant ramen seasoning
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced
• 2 stalks scallions, chopped
• 1/2 small red onion, sliced
• 100 g baby cabbage
• 1 small zucchini, sliced
• 50 g enoki mushrooms
• 100 g beef rolls
• 4 cheese rice cakes
• 100 g luncheon meat
• 100 g soft tofu
• 100 g Korean kimchi
• 500 ml water
• 1 block spicy instant ramen noodles
• 2 slices processed yellow cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp black sesame seeds

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the secret sauce

   

   In a small bowl, combine two spoonfuls of Korean chili paste (gochujang), one spoonful of soy sauce, one spoonful of sugar, and the dry seasoning packet from the spicy instant ramen. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create the base sauce that gives the army stew its deep, signature flavor.

   Tip: Make sure to incorporate all the seasoning powder from the ramen packet, as it acts as a flavor booster for the broth.
2. 2Sauté the aromatics

   

   Heat oil in your cooking pot and add sliced garlic, chopped scallions, and onions. Sauté these aromatics over medium heat until they become fragrant and slightly softened, creating a flavorful base for the stew. Turn off the heat once finished.

   Tip: Keep the heat moderate to ensure the garlic and scallions release their aroma without burning.
3. 3Layer the ingredients

   

   In the same pot used for the aromatics, arrange the ingredients in layers. Start with a bed of baby cabbage at the bottom, then neatly arrange slices of zucchini, enoki mushrooms, beef rolls, cheese rice cakes, luncheon meat, and soft tofu on top. Dont forget to include a portion of Korean kimchi.

   Tip: Layering makes the stew look appetizing and ensures that the vegetables on the bottom cook evenly in the broth.
4. 4Add the secret sauce

   

   Take the secret sauce you prepared earlier and pour it evenly over the layered vegetables and meats in the pot. This will distribute the bold, spicy flavor throughout the stew as it begins to simmer.

   Tip: Use a spatula or spoon to scrape all the sauce out of the bowl to ensure no flavor is wasted.
5. 5Simmer the stew

   

   Add an appropriate amount of water to the pot until the ingredients are partially submerged. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the ingredients to cook through.

   Tip: Check the water level periodically; you want enough broth to cover most of the ingredients without overflowing.
6. 6Add noodles and finish

   

   Once the ingredients are mostly cooked, remove the lid and add the spicy instant ramen noodles, two slices of cheese, and an egg. Garnish with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds. Continue to simmer for another 3 minutes until the noodles are cooked and the cheese is melted.

   Tip: Adding the cheese right at the end prevents it from disappearing into the broth too quickly, creating a creamy texture.

Storage & Reheating

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Frequently Asked Questions