Korean Army Stew (Budae Jjigae)

A comforting and highly customizable Korean classic, Budae Jjigae combines spicy gochujang broth with luncheon meat, instant noodles, and melted cheese for the ultimate cozy meal.

Ingredients

• 1/2 zucchini
• 3 leaves nappa cabbage
• 100 g prawn balls
• 100 g enoki mushrooms
• 1 handful green vegetables
• 1/2 can luncheon meat
• 150 g sliced beef rolls
• 100 g cheese rice cakes
• 2 tbsp Korean hot pepper paste (gochujang)
• 1 packet instant noodle seasoning
• 1 tbsp chili powder (gochugaru)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1/2 cup kimchi
• 1 pack instant ramen noodles
• 1 slice cheese
• 1 egg
• 3 cups water

Instructions

1. 1Slice the zucchini

   

   Take the zucchini and carefully slice it into bite-sized pieces on a wooden cutting board to prepare it for the stew.

   Tip: Keep your fingers tucked while slicing for safety.
2. 2Cut Nappa Cabbage

   

   Place the nappa cabbage leaves on the wooden cutting board and cut them into smaller portions to fit the pot.

   Tip: Keep the root ends trimmed so the leaves separate easily.
3. 3Add Cabbage to Pot

   

   Take portions of the cut nappa cabbage and carefully place them into the purple cooking pot as the base layer.

   Tip: Layering the vegetables at the bottom helps prevent sticking.
4. 4Add Mushrooms and Zucchini

   

   Add fresh enoki mushrooms and previously sliced zucchini pieces into the pot alongside the cabbage.

   Tip: Distribute the ingredients evenly around the pot for balanced cooking.
5. 5Arrange Luncheon Meat

   

   Place slices of luncheon meat along the edge of the pot to build the army stew ingredient arrangement.

   Tip: Slice the luncheon meat evenly so it heats through uniformly.
6. 6Add Cheese Rice Cakes

   

   Arrange cheese rice cakes neatly along the perimeter of the pot among the other arranged ingredients.

   Tip: Add rice cakes towards the edges so they do not stick to the center bottom.
7. 7Prepare the Sauce Base

   

   Scoop the Korean hot pepper paste into a glass mixing bowl to build the flavorful foundation for your spicy stew sauce.

   Tip: Adjust the amount of paste depending on your preferred level of spiciness.
8. 8Add Dry Seasonings

   

   Add the instant noodle seasoning packet and a dash of chili powder into the sauce bowl to enhance the savory flavor profile.

   Tip: Mix the dry seasonings well with the paste before adding water.
9. 9Mix the Sauce With Water

   

   Pour water into the sauce bowl and stir thoroughly using a wooden spoon until the spices and paste are completely dissolved.

   Tip: Stir slowly to avoid splashing the mixture out of the bowl.
10. 10Pour Sauce Over Ingredients

    

    Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the layered ingredients in the cooking pot.

    Tip: Ensure the sauce covers the ingredients evenly for balanced flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions