Low-Calorie Korean Army Stew (Budae Jjigae)

A light, guilt-free single-serving Korean army stew featuring fresh vegetables, silken tofu, kimchi, shrimp, and instant noodles in a spicy, savory broth.

Ingredients

• 1 handful bean sprouts
• 1 bundle enoki mushrooms
• 150 g silken tofu
• 50 g fermented kimchi
• 1 tbsp Korean chili paste
• 2 slices fresh red tomato
• 4–5 raw shrimp
• 1 block dried instant noodles
• 50 g thinly sliced beef
• 1 handful leafy green vegetables
• 1 red and green chili peppers

Instructions

1. 1Add bean sprouts

   

   Place a handful of fresh bean sprouts into the bottom of an empty metal pot as the base layer of the stew.

   Tip: Bean sprouts add a crisp texture and naturally sweet flavor to the broth as they boil.
2. 2Add enoki mushrooms

   

   Layer a bundle of trimmed fresh enoki mushrooms directly on top of the bean sprouts in the pot.

   Tip: Make sure to trim the root ends of the enoki mushrooms before adding them to the pot.
3. 3Add silken tofu

   

   Use a spoon to scoop large, soft chunks of silken tofu and place them into the pot alongside the mushrooms and sprouts.

   Tip: Handle the silken tofu gently so it maintains its shape while cooking in the broth.
4. 4Add kimchi

   

   Use chopsticks to place pieces of fermented red kimchi over the tofu, mushrooms, and bean sprouts in the pot.

   Tip: Adding well-fermented kimchi provides the essential sour and savory base for the stews flavor profile.
5. 5Add Korean chili paste

   

   Add a spoonful of thick red Korean chili paste (gochujang) directly onto the ingredients inside the pot.

   Tip: Adjust the amount of chili paste based on your personal preference for heat and spiciness.
6. 6Pour water for the broth

   

   Pour clear water from a glass measuring cup into the pot over the layered ingredients to create the cooking broth.

   Tip: Pour the water gently around the sides of the pot to avoid disturbing the arranged ingredients and paste.
7. 7Add Fresh Tomatoes

   

   Place two thick slices of fresh red tomato directly into the simmering red broth. The tomatoes add a bright, natural tanginess and depth of flavor to the spicy base.

   Tip: Fresh tomatoes help naturally balance the heat and acidity of the Korean chili paste.
8. 8Add Raw Shrimp

   

   Drop whole raw shrimp into the bubbling stew. As they cook, the shrimp infuse the broth with rich seafood sweetness and flavor.

   Tip: Cook the shrimp just until they turn opaque and pink to keep them tender and juicy.
9. 9Add Instant Noodles

   

   Place a square block of dried instant noodles directly into the center of the pot. Allow the noodles to soften and absorb the savory broth.

   Tip: Push the noodles down into the liquid so they cook evenly throughout.
10. 10Add Thinly Sliced Meat

    

    Use chopsticks to submerge raw, thinly sliced meat into the hot broth. The meat cooks rapidly in the boiling liquid.

    Tip: Stir the thin slices apart immediately to prevent them from clumping together.
11. 11Add Leafy Greens

    

    Add fresh leafy green vegetables into the boiling pot. They will wilt quickly in the hot liquid while adding a fresh, crisp texture.

    Tip: Do not overcook the greens so they retain their vibrant green color and slight crunch.
12. 12Garnish with Chili Peppers

    

    Sprinkle freshly sliced red and green chili pepper rings over the cooking stew for an extra kick of heat and a vibrant finish.

    Tip: Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your personal spice preference.

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