Korean Budae Jjigae 부대찌개 (Army Stew) Recipe

Name: Korean Budae Jjigae 부대찌개 (Army Stew)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 can Spam, cut according to preference; 3, 4 hot dogs; 4, 5 strips bacon; 1 instant ramen noodle (exclude sauce packet flavoring); 1 cup rice cakes (tteok); 1/2 yellow onion, thinly diced; 2 tbsp gochujang (red pepper paste); 1 tbsp gochugaru (red pepper flake); 1, 2 garlic, minced; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 5, 6 cups water; 1 package firm tofu (optional); 1 scallion/green onion, thinly sliced (garnish)

Servings: persons

1 can Spam, cut according to preference
3, 4 hot dogs
4, 5 strips bacon
1 instant ramen noodle (exclude sauce packet flavoring)
1 cup rice cakes (tteok)
1/2 yellow onion, thinly diced
2 tbsp gochujang (red pepper paste)
1 tbsp gochugaru (red pepper flake)
1, 2 garlic, minced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
5, 6 cups water
1 package firm tofu (optional)
1 scallion/green onion, thinly sliced (garnish)

1
1. Bring a large pot to a boil (about 6 cups of water) and place kimchi and sauce ingredients (gochujang, gochugaru, minced garlic, soy sauce, sugar, and diced onion). Boil for about 10 minutes to soften the kimchi and enrich the broth.
2
2. Meanwhile, prepare the meats by cutting them into desired pieces. Add the pre-cut bacon and hot dog (Spam if available) and cook for another 10 minutes. Follow that with the instant ramen noodles and wait until noodles separate on their own.
3
3. When noodles have separated, taste the broth of the stew and regulate according to taste preference. This might be too spicy for some so reducing the red pepper paste and flakes or adding extra water will help alleviate this problem.
4
4. Serve immediately before noodles soften and set at the center of the table where everyone can help themselves, or plate individually into separate bowls. Eat with rice and banchan side dishes.
5
*Many Koreans will also include some of the spicy sauce packet from the instant noodles (Shin Ramen being the most ideal) that can surprisingly add more depth and flavor to the stew.

776

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 can Spam, cut according to preference, 3, 4 hot dogs, 4, 5 strips bacon, 1 instant ramen noodle (exclude sauce packet flavoring), and more.

Yes, Korean Budae Jjigae 부대찌개 (Army Stew) falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Korean Budae Jjigae 부대찌개 (Army Stew)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions