Budae Jjigae Recipe: If you’re a fan of bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and cozy meals that bring people together, then you’re going to fall in love with Budae Jjigae, also known as Korean Army Stew.
This iconic Korean dish fuses traditional Korean flavors with American ingredients like Spam, hot dogs, and cheese – a result of historical circumstances that created a truly unique comfort food.
In this guide, we’ll go over every detail you need to recreate this delicious and dynamic dish in your own kitchen.
What Is Budae Jjigae?
Budae Jjigae (부대찌개), or “Army Base Stew,” is a spicy Korean hot pot filled with a variety of proteins, vegetables, instant noodles, and processed meats like Spam and hot dogs. It’s simmered in a savory broth infused with gochujang (Korean chili paste), garlic, soy sauce, and sometimes kimchi. This stew is served hot and bubbling, usually cooked right at the table, making it perfect for sharing with friends or family.
The dish is rich in umami and deeply satisfying, with its combination of traditional and Western ingredients. It’s a dish that represents Korean resilience and innovation, turning leftover rations into something delicious and memorable.
History of Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)
Budae Jjigae originated shortly after the Korean War during a time of severe food scarcity. American military bases in South Korea provided canned goods like Spam, hot dogs, and baked beans. Local Koreans, combining these with traditional ingredients like kimchi and gochujang, created this now-beloved stew.
While it was born out of necessity, Budae Jjigae has become a popular comfort food in Korea and around the world. Restaurants in Seoul specialize in it, and it’s increasingly showing up on global menus. It stands as a powerful culinary symbol of survival, adaptability, and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are a ton of reasons to fall head over heels for Budae Jjigae:
- Bold Flavors: The gochujang-spiced broth is rich, spicy, and packed with umami.
- Versatility: You can mix and match ingredients depending on what you have.
- One-Pot Wonder: Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.
- Comfort Food Heaven: It’s cozy, warming, and deeply satisfying.
- Fun to Cook at the Table: Make it part of your mealtime experience.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need to make authentic and delicious Budae Jjigae at home.
Meat & Protein Options
- Spam or luncheon meat – sliced
- Hot dogs or sausages – sliced
- Ground beef or pork (optional)
- Tofu – firm or soft, sliced into chunks
- Bacon or ham (optional)
Vegetables
- Kimchi – chopped (preferably aged)
- Onion – sliced
- Green onions – chopped
- Garlic – minced
- Mushrooms (shiitake, enoki, or white) – sliced
- Napa cabbage – chopped
Noodles
- Korean ramen noodles (or any instant noodles)
- Optional: glass noodles or udon
Sauces and Broth Base
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Sugar
- Chicken or anchovy broth (or water + stock cubes)
- Salt and pepper
Optional Toppings
- Cheese slices (American or mozzarella)
- Baked beans
- Rice cakes (tteok)
- Corn kernels
- Seaweed
- Eggs (raw or boiled)
Where to Find the Ingredients
You can find most of the ingredients at Korean or Asian grocery stores. Gochujang, gochugaru, kimchi, and noodles are also available online. Local supermarkets may carry Spam, sausages, and tofu. For a truly authentic flavor, aim to get Korean-made sauces and noodles when possible.
Kitchen Tools Required
To make Budae Jjigae, you’ll need:
- A large shallow pot or hot pot pan
- Portable stove or gas burner (if cooking at the table)
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons
- Soup ladle
- Chopsticks or tongs
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Budae Jjigae
Let’s get to the heart of this guide – making the actual stew. Follow these steps closely for a satisfying and rich flavor profile.
Step 1: Prepare the Broth Base
In a bowl, combine water or anchovy-kelp stock with a bit of kimchi juice for depth. This creates a savory, slightly spicy base that defines budae jjigae. Set aside while you prep the other ingredients.
Step 2: Slice and Prep Ingredients
Slice sausages, spam, and tofu into bite-sized pieces. Chop kimchi into smaller strips. Prepare green onions, onions, mushrooms, and any extras like baked beans or rice cakes. Keep instant ramen noodles dry and ready for later.
Step 3: Arrange Ingredients in the Pot
Using a wide, shallow pot, neatly arrange the ingredients in sections. Place kimchi, spam, sausages, tofu, mushrooms, onions, and beans around the pot. This classic layout helps everything cook evenly and looks great at the table.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix gochujang (Korean chili paste), gochugaru (chili flakes), soy sauce, minced garlic, and a pinch of sugar. Stir until smooth. This sauce adds heat, umami, and balance to the stew.
Step 5: Pour Broth and Cook
Pour the prepared broth into the pot, just enough to partially cover the ingredients. Spoon the sauce directly into the center. Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
Step 6: Add Noodles
Add the instant ramen noodles on top of the bubbling stew. Gently press them down into the broth. Let them cook for 2–3 minutes until tender but not mushy.
Step 7: Simmer and Serve
Once the noodles are cooked and the stew is bubbling, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions and optional cheese slices. Serve hot, straight from the pot, with rice or enjoy it on its own for a hearty, comforting meal.
Tips for the Perfect Budae Jjigae
Want to make your Budae Jjigae even better? Here are some pro tips:
- Use aged kimchi – it adds deeper flavor than fresh kimchi.
- Balance your meat types – don’t just use Spam; combine with sausages, tofu, and ground meat for complexity.
- Cheese is magic – it melts into the broth and softens the spice, making everything taste creamier.
- Cook in layers – place dense ingredients like tofu and Spam at the bottom and delicate items like mushrooms and cheese on top.
- Don’t rush the simmer – let it bubble gently to extract max flavor from the kimchi and broth.
Budae Jjigae rewards patience and creativity. Try new combos and make it your own.
Substitutions and Variations
Don’t have all the traditional ingredients? No worries. Budae Jjigae is super flexible.
Meat Alternatives:
- No Spam? Use bacon or ham.
- No hot dogs? Try chorizo or cocktail sausages.
Vegetarian Version:
- Use tofu, mushrooms, and more kimchi.
- Substitute meat broth with veggie stock.
Low Spice Version:
- Skip gochugaru and reduce gochujang.
- Add more soy sauce and sugar for balance.
Fusion Version:
- Try Italian sausages and parmesan cheese.
- Use baked beans and jalapeños for a Tex-Mex twist.
The combinations are endless. It’s a recipe made to be adapted.
How to Make It Spicier (or Not!)
Whether you’re a spice fiend or you prefer to keep things mild, Budae Jjigae is easy to adjust:
To Spice It Up:
- Add extra gochugaru or sliced chili peppers.
- Use spicy kimchi and spicy ramen noodles.
- Finish with a drizzle of chili oil.
To Tone It Down:
- Use less gochujang and gochugaru.
- Add more broth or cheese to mellow the spice.
- Include a splash of milk or cream (yes, it works!).
You’re in full control of the heat level—just tweak the sauce base to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Budae Jjigae with these delicious side dishes and drinks:
- Steamed white rice – essential for balancing the spice.
- Kimchi or pickled radish – adds freshness and crunch.
- Korean pancakes (pajeon) – great for dipping in the broth.
- Soju or Makgeolli – traditional Korean drinks that go perfectly.
You can also enjoy it with crusty bread or even tortilla chips if you’re going fusion-style!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Budae Jjigae tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen overnight. Here’s how to store and reheat it the right way:
How to Store:
- Cool it down to room temperature before storing.
- Transfer the stew into an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- If you’re planning to store longer, freeze it (without noodles) for up to 2 months.
Pro Tip: Store noodles separately if possible. They soak up broth and become mushy if left in the stew too long.
How to Reheat:
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until it simmers.
- Add a splash of water or broth to revive the texture and keep it from drying out.
- If reheating in the microwave, cover loosely and heat in 2-minute intervals, stirring in between.
You can even add fresh noodles or a new egg while reheating to make it feel like a freshly cooked meal.
Nutritional Information
While Budae Jjigae is indulgent and hearty, you can tweak it to be more balanced. Here’s an average estimate per serving:
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500–700 kcal |
| Protein | 25–35g |
| Carbohydrates | 40–60g |
| Fats | 25–40g |
| Sodium | High (due to Spam, broth, and sauces) |
| Fiber | 3–5g |
Healthier Modifications:
- Use low-sodium Spam or sausages.
- Go easy on cheese and processed meats.
- Load up on more veggies and tofu.
- Use whole grain noodles or glass noodles for fewer carbs.
You don’t need to compromise on flavor—just adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs.
FAQs about Budae Jjigae Recipe
1. Can I make Budae Jjigae without kimchi?
Yes, but kimchi adds a signature tangy-spicy flavor. If you skip it, increase garlic and use a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.
2. Is Budae Jjigae gluten-free?
Not by default. Many Korean sauces and ramen noodles contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free ramen or rice noodles.
3. What can I substitute for Spam in Budae Jjigae?
You can use sliced ham, bacon, or even seasoned tofu if you want a vegetarian option. The goal is to keep that rich, savory element.
4. How spicy is Budae Jjigae?
It’s moderately spicy, depending on how much gochujang and gochugaru you use. You can adjust the spice level easily by reducing the chili paste or adding cheese to cool it down.
5. Can I prepare Budae Jjigae in advance?
Yes! Prep all your ingredients and sauce in advance. When ready to eat, simply assemble and simmer. It’s great for meal prep or hosting a Korean-style hot pot night.
Conclusion
Budae Jjigae is more than just a stew—it’s a flavorful, heartwarming experience packed with history, culture, and comfort. Whether you’re making it for a weekend family dinner or a Korean-themed gathering with friends, this dish brings joy, spice, and soul to the table.
Its flexibility means there’s no right or wrong way to make it. Just follow your taste buds, be creative with your ingredients, and don’t forget the cheesy ramen topping—it’s a game-changer. So next time you’re in the mood for something bold, satisfying, and shareable, you know what to cook.
Go grab those ingredients and start simmering your own Budae Jjigae masterpiece. Happy cooking!
