Budae Jjigae Korean Army Stew Recipe
Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew) Recipe – A spicy, savory, and comforting Korean hot pot made with Spam, sausages, tofu, kimchi, and a rich, umami-packed broth. This easy and delicious fusion dish is perfect for sharing and pairs well with steamed rice. Try this authentic Korean comfort food today!
Budae Jjigae Korean Army Stew Recipe, is a rich, spicy, and comforting hot pot dish that originated after the Korean War. It blends traditional Korean flavors with Western ingredients such as Spam, sausages, and baked beans, which were introduced through U.S. military rations. The dish features a bold, umami-packed broth made with kimchi, chili powder, garlic, and bone broth, complemented by soft tofu, chewy rice cakes, and melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for sharing, this hearty stew is a fusion of cultures, offering a unique balance of spice, savory depth, and comforting textures. Whether enjoyed on a cold day or as a crowd-pleasing meal, Budae Jjigae delivers a deliciously satisfying experience in every bite. Serve it bubbling hot with a side of steamed rice for the ultimate Korean comfort food!
Ingredients
- ½ onion, diced
- A handful of green onions, chopped
- 150g tofu, chopped into small pieces
- 8 slices of Spam
- 16–20 pieces of sausage (variety recommended)
- 1 tbsp ground pork (optional)
- 2 tbsp baked beans
- 2 tbsp kimchi
- A handful of rice cakes
- 1 slice cheddar cheese
- 350ml bone broth
- 10g (1 tbsp) minced garlic
- 10g (2 tbsp) chili powder
- 8g (1 tbsp) fish sauce
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1,800mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Directions
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Prepare the ingredients by dicing the onion, finely chopping the green onions, and slicing the tofu, Spam, and sausages.
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In a 24cm pan, layer the diced onion, tofu, Spam, and sausages neatly. Then, add the ground pork (if using), minced garlic, chili powder, fish sauce, kimchi, rice cakes, baked beans, cheddar cheese, and bone broth.
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Cover the pan with a lid and bring to a boil. Once boiling, stir the center to mix the seasonings evenly. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
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Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot. Enjoy!