Korean Army Stew, also known as "Budae Jjigae," is a hearty and flavorful dish that originated during the Korean War when food was scarce. It's a popular comfort food in Korea and features a mix of ingredients like SPAM, sausage, tofu, kimchi, and instant noodles cooked in a savory broth flavored with Korean red pepper paste and powder. The stew is often enjoyed with friends and family, and it's customizable with various additions like cheese, baked beans, and rice cakes. It's a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for chilly days or gatherings.

To make Korean Army Stew, start by sautéing garlic, onion, mushrooms, tofu, sausage, and SPAM in a pot. Add kimchi, Korean red pepper paste, and powder, then pour in chicken or beef broth and simmer. Add instant ramen noodles and cook until done. Finish with green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Feel free to add your favorite ingredients and adjust the seasoning to taste. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious and comforting Korean dish!

Serves

For 3-4 Persons Preparation Time ca. 30-40 Minuten

Ingredients

  • 1 can of SPAM (or other canned meat of your choice)
  • 1 pack of instant ramen noodles
  • 1 cup of kimchi
  • 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup of sliced onion
  • 1 cup of sliced tofu
  • 1 cup of sliced sausage
  • 1 cup of sliced green onion
  • 4 cups of chicken or beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons of Korean red pepper paste (gochujang)
  • 1 tablespoon of Korean red pepper powder (gochugaru)
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: sliced cheese, baked beans, rice cakes, or other ingredients of your choice

Preparation

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Add the sliced onion, mushrooms, tofu, sausage, and SPAM to the pot. Cook until the ingredients are lightly browned.
  3. Stir in the kimchi, Korean red pepper paste, and Korean red pepper powder. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  4. Pour in the chicken or beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Add the instant ramen noodles and cook according to the package instructions.
  6. Once the noodles are cooked, add the sliced green onion, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
  7. Optional: Add sliced cheese, baked beans, rice cakes, or any other additional ingredients you like.
  8. Serve the Korean Army Stew hot and enjoy!