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Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)

Name: Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: {'ingredient': 'Water', 'amount': '4 cups'}; {'ingredient': 'Sesame oil', 'amount': '1 tablespoon'}; {'ingredient': 'Sugar', 'amount': '1 teaspoon'}; {'ingredient': 'Soy sauce', 'amount': '2 tablespoons'}; {'ingredient': 'Gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)', 'amount': '2 tablespoons'}; {'ingredient': 'Garlic', 'amount': '4 cloves, minced'}; {'ingredient': 'Green onions', 'amount': '4, chopped'}; {'ingredient': 'Onion', 'amount': '1 large, sliced'}; {'ingredient': 'Tofu', 'amount': '1 block, cut into cubes'}; {'ingredient': 'Kimchi', 'amount': '1 cup, chopped'}; {'ingredient': 'Instant ramen noodles', 'amount': '2 packs'}; {'ingredient': 'Sausages', 'amount': '2, sliced'}; {'ingredient': 'Spam', 'amount': '1 can, sliced'}

Budae Jjigae, affectionately known as Army Stew, is a hearty and comforting Korean dish that originated in the aftermath of the Korean War. This delicious stew is a fusion of traditional Korean ingredients and American military rations, including spam and sausages. It embodies a delightful mix of flavors and textures, featuring spicy gochujang, savory soy sauce, and the tang of kimchi, all simmered together to create a dish that warms the soul. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, Budae Jjigae is a must-try for anyone looking to explore Korean cuisine.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Water: 4 cups
Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon
Sugar: 1 teaspoon
Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
Gochujang (Korean red pepper paste): 2 tablespoons
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Green onions: 4, chopped
Onion: 1 large, sliced
Tofu: 1 block, cut into cubes
Kimchi: 1 cup, chopped
Instant ramen noodles: 2 packs
Sausages: 2, sliced
Spam: 1 can, sliced

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced spam and sausages to the pot, cooking until lightly browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, sliced onion, and chopped kimchi. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
In a small bowl, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, and a splash of the water. Mix well and add this mixture to the pot, stirring to coat the ingredients evenly.
Pour in the remaining water and bring the stew to a boil.
Once boiling, add the instant ramen noodles and tofu cubes. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the noodles are tender and the tofu is heated through.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Serve hot and enjoy with a side of rice or additional kimchi for an authentic experience.

Dietary Information

Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Main Course • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 20 minutes • Calories: 450 • Fat: 25g • Carbs: 35g • Protein: 22g • Sodium: 1200mg • Sugar: 4g