Warm up with this comforting pot of Budae Jjigae, a vibrant Korean Army Stew packed with savory sausages, spicy kimchi, and instant ramen topped with melted cheese.
Budae Jjigae, or Army Stew, is a fascinating culinary fusion born in South Korea following the Korean War. It creatively combines traditional Korean staples like fermented kimchi and gochujang with American provisions such as hot dogs, SPAM, and baked beans. Today, it remains a deeply comforting and beloved modern classic, perfect for sharing on a chilly night.
A bubbling pot of Budae Jjigae featuring instant ramen, melted cheese, spicy broth, and a hearty array of meats and seafood.
Prep15 mins
Cook20 mins
Total35 mins
Yield3–4 servings
DifficultyEasy
Calories650 kcal
Ingredients
200 g thinly sliced beef
4 whole sausages, diagonally sliced
100 g crab sticks
100 g mixed shrimp and clams
1 cup aged kimchi, roughly chopped
1 block firm tofu, sliced
1 cup mixed mushrooms (enoki and shiitake)
1 pack instant ramen noodles
1 slice American cheese
1 whole egg
4 cups anchovy or chicken broth
2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
Instructions
1Check the simmering base ingredients
Carefully remove the glass lid from the metal hot pot to inspect the arranged ingredients. Ensure the sliced meat, tofu, mushrooms, rice cakes, and dumplings are cooking evenly in the vibrant spicy red broth.
Tip: Check that the broth level is sufficient before uncovering.
2Add ramen noodles and egg
Place the instant ramen noodles and a fresh egg directly onto the center of the arranged ingredients inside the simmering hot pot.
Tip: Position the noodles near the bubbling center so they soften quickly and absorb the rich broth.
3Cover and simmer the pot
Place the glass lid back over the pot to trap heat while the food cooks and the spicy broth bubbles beneath.
Tip: Keep the heat steady to allow the noodles to absorb the flavors evenly.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
2 days
Store the broth and solid ingredients in an airtight container. Discard any leftover cooked ramen noodles, as they will become unpleasantly mushy when stored.
Reheating
5–10 min
Bring the leftover stew back to a rapid boil on the stovetop. Add a fresh packet of instant noodles while reheating if desired.
Burn It Off
Running
~65 minutes at an easy jog (~9 km/h).
Zumba
~85 minutes of high energy movement.
Brisk Walking
~2 hours 10 minutes at a steady pace (~5 km/h).
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can cook the stew completely on your kitchen stovetop and carefully transfer the pot to the table. However, cooking it at the table keeps the broth bubbling hot and allows diners to eat as the ingredients finish cooking.
A traditional Korean anchovy-kelp broth or a rich beef bone broth is ideal, but store-bought chicken or vegetable broth works excellently in a pinch.
While technically optional, a slice of American cheese melts beautifully into the spicy broth, slightly neutralizing the heat and adding a signature creamy richness that characterizes the modern version of this dish.
