Budae Jjigae (Army Stew) Recipe

If you crave bold, savory flavors and love a one-pot feast, Budae Jjigae (Army Stew) is the ultimate Korean comfort dish! This bubbling hot pot overflows with spicy broth, savory meats, chewy rice cakes, tangy kimchi, and bouncy noodles—every spoonful is pure fun and flavor.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list—every component of Budae Jjigae (Army Stew) brings its own burst of flavor, texture, or color. The balance of savory, spicy, chewy, and fresh is what makes this dish impossible to put down.

• Chicken stock: The foundation of the stew, rich and savory—homemade or good-quality store-bought both work beautifully.
• SPAM: A classic Army Stew addition that adds addictive saltiness and a dose of nostalgia! Slice thinly for the best texture.
• Cocktail Frankfurt sausages: These add smoky, juicy bites throughout the stew and soak up all that spicy broth.
• Tofu: Soft, gently savory squares that absorb all the flavor and offer a tender, creamy contrast.
• Enoki mushrooms: The prettiest of the bunch! They bring gentle crunch and visual appeal when scattered over the stew.
• King oyster mushrooms: Meatier and fuller in texture, these earn their keep as the hearty “veggie steak” of the pot.
• Shiitake mushroom caps: Deeply earthy and umami-rich, shiitake mushrooms intensify every slurp.
• Aged Kimchi: Essential for tang, heat, and bold personality—make sure it’s nicely fermented for the very best flavor.
• Instant ramen noodles: Iconic for soak-up-the-broth perfection, they turn this stew into a hearty, filling feast.
• Korean rice cakes: Chewy and satisfying, they soak up every ounce of flavor—don’t forget to soak them if frozen!
• Green onion: Brings a fresh pop of color and sharp bite to balance the richness.
• Sliced cheese: This might surprise you, but cheese adds glorious creaminess and richness—trust me, it just works!
• Sauce (gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, garlic, black pepper): This custom spicy/savory paste is the beating heart of all flavor here—don’t skip it or shy away from adjusting to your taste.

Variations

Army Stew is truly a “choose your own adventure” dish—so don’t be afraid to make it yours! You can easily swap in your favorite proteins, adjust spice, or load up extra vegetables depending on what’s in your fridge or what you’re craving.

• More veggies, more texture: Bulk it up with zucchini, potatoes, napa cabbage, or even canned beans for a filling, wholesome twist.
• Pescatarian-friendly: Skip the processed meats and double up on tofu, add fish cakes, or tuck in some shrimp for a seafood spin.
• Vegan version: Use vegan sausages or mushrooms in place of meat, plant-based cheese, and vegan kimchi—just check your gochujang is vegan too!
• Spice control: Adjust the gochugaru and gochujang to make it as mild or fiery as you want—the broth is yours to play with.
• Cheese style: Use melty mozzarella, sharp cheddar, or even a vegan cheese alternative to change up the stew’s creaminess.

How to Make Budae Jjigae (Army Stew)

Step 1: Assemble Your Ingredients and Arrange the Pot

Gather all your main components (except the instant ramen, rice cakes, green onion, and cheese) and artistically arrange them in a wide, shallow pot. Nestle the different mushrooms, kimchi, tofu, sausage, and SPAM around the edges, leaving a clear spot in the center for your spicy sauce dollop. This layering not only looks spectacular, but ensures every bite soaks up maximum flavor as it cooks.

Step 2: Add Sauce and Broth, and Bring to a Boil

Mound your pre-mixed sauce in the middle of the pot, then gently pour your chicken stock around the edges (not directly over the sauce). Pop on a lid, bring everything to a lively simmer over medium-high heat, and let those flavors mingle for about 8 minutes—your kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 3: Layer in Noodles, Rice Cakes, Green Onion, and Cheese

Once at a boil, remove the lid and add ramen noodles, pre-soaked rice cakes, sliced green onion, and your cheese on top. Let this bubble away, uncovered, for 2–3 minutes or until the noodles are soft and the cheese is gooey and melty. Reduce heat to low if you’re cooking at the table with friends, so it stays warm for everyone to enjoy.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Now the best part—gather around, ladle out steaming bowls piled high with noodles, sausage, tofu, and broth. Serve with a side of steamed rice (and any banchan you love) for the iconic Budae Jjigae (Army Stew) experience!

How to Serve Budae Jjigae (Army Stew)

Garnishes

Budae Jjigae (Army Stew) is made for bold garnishes! Scatter extra sliced green onions or a sprinkle of gochugaru across the top for a burst of color and zip. A few crispy roasted seaweed crumbles or toasted sesame seeds also add a satisfying finish.

Side Dishes

Serve with simple steamed white rice—it soaks up all that flavorful broth. If you want a true Korean table experience, add some classic side dishes: crunchy kimchi, seasoned bean sprouts, spicy pickled radish, or even a light cucumber salad to keep things refreshing and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, let guests assemble their own bowls straight from the bubbling pot at the table—bring out extra cheese, hot sauces, or fresh herbs for topping fun. If you’re feeling fancy, serve everything in individual stone bowls (dolsot)—they’ll keep bubbling for that signature dramatic flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any cooled Budae Jjigae (Army Stew) leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen overnight, so leftovers are especially tasty the next day! Keep noodles and rice cakes separate, if possible, to prevent over-softening.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze, portion the stew without the noodles or cheese, as their texture won’t hold up well. Freeze the broth and solid components in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh noodles and cheese.

Reheating

To reheat, bring the stew to a gentle simmer in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it’s thickened up. If you have extra noodles on hand, cook them separately and add just before serving to keep everything springy and fresh!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Budae Jjigae (Army Stew), there’s no better time—it’s comfort food that’s vibrant, playful, and utterly delicious. Gather your favorite people, load up your pot, and get ready for a meal that delivers big flavors and big smiles. Happy feasting!

Print