This cozy Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew) comes together in about 30 minutes and is cooked all in one pot for a quick weeknight dinner that your family will love! You can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends. Trust me, this dish is just as satisfying as it is flexible!
Ingredient Breakdown
- Spam
- Sausages
- Instant Noodles
- Kimchi
- Water or Broth
- Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste)
- Soy Sauce
- Garlic
- Cheese (optional)
- Green Onions
How to Make Budae Jjigae
Ready to dive in? Here’s how I make this Budae Jjigae that’s sure to warm your soul and satisfy your hunger.
In a large pot, add 4 cups of water or broth and bring to a boil. Feel free to toss in a couple of pinches of salt and pepper to kick things up a notch while it’s heating.
Drop in 1 cup of diced Spam and 1 cup of sliced sausages right after the water starts bubbling. Oh, the smell of that savory goodness as it starts to dance around!
Stir in 1 cup of kimchi, followed by 1 tablespoon of gochujang, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Stir everything well and allow the mixture to come back to a simmer, this is where the magic begins!
Let it simmer for about 10 minutes stirring occasionally as the flavors meld together beautifully and that juicy aroma fills your kitchen.
Now, add 2 cups of instant noodles to the pot and cook according to the package instructions. You’ll want them nice and tender but not mushy, they should soak up all that delicious broth!
If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle in 1 cup of cheese at this stage. Stir until it’s melty and creamy, oh man, that’s when you know you’ve hit the comfort food jackpot!
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving to add that pop of color and fresh flavor.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Budae Jjigae is my go-to recipe when I need something hearty and satisfying in a pinch. Honestly, it’s comfort food at its finest! I’m a real sucker for any dish that you can whip up quickly and that can easily be tailored to fit whatever you have on hand. I often make this when I’ve had a long day and need to whip up something that my picky eaters will actually eat without complaint. The best part? Everyone in my family always begs for seconds!
If you loved this Budae Jjigae, be sure to check out my Spicy Korean Carrots, my Braised Beef with Mediterranean Spices, or my Grilled Meatballs! You’ll find just as much comfort and deliciousness hiding in those recipes!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This stew comes together in under 30 minutes, which means it’s perfect for those hectic weeknights. Nobody wants to spend hours in the kitchen after a long day, right?
One Pot Wonder
The best part is, it’s all made in one pot, minimal cleanup required! A quick wash of the pot after dinner means you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes.
Budget-Friendly
Using everyday, affordable ingredients, Budae Jjigae is perfect for any family budget. You can pick up a can of Spam and some noodles without breaking the bank.
Customizable
This recipe is incredibly versatile, use whatever ingredients you have on hand! Leftover meats work wonderfully in here, or if you want to make it vegetarian, simply skip the meats and double up on the veggies.
Comfort Food
Loaded with tons of flavor, this dish feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. It’s hearty and satisfying, not just a meal, but an experience you can enjoy with your loved ones.
Serving & Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
Budae Jjigae is fantastic on its own, but if you want to up the ante, serve it with steamed rice or some crusty bread to soak up that flavorful broth. You might also want to consider some pickled vegetables or a simple salad on the side for a bit of freshness!
Storage
If you happen to have leftovers (which doesn’t happen often in my house!), transfer them to an airtight container. This stew can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 days.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat in a pot on the stove over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally to make sure it’s heating evenly. You can add a splash of broth or water if you find it thickens too much!
Freezer Friendly?
Yes! This dish is freezer-friendly. Just portion out the cooled stew into freezer-safe containers. Budae Jjigae can keep in the freezer for about 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it on the stove.
And there you have it! A delicious and quick Budae Jjigae that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. I hope this recipe brings you and your family as much happiness and warmth as it has brought me! Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily inspiration that brings warmth to your table!
Budae Jjigae
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, add 4 cups of water or broth and bring to a boil.
- Add 1 cup of diced Spam and 1 cup of sliced sausages right after the water starts bubbling.
- Stir in 1 cup of kimchi, followed by 1 tablespoon of gochujang, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Mix well and allow to simmer.
- Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add 2 cups of instant noodles to the pot and cook according to package instructions.
- If desired, stir in 1 cup of cheese until melted.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.