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Easy Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)

Easy Budae Jjigae Recipe: Bold, Flavor-Packed Korean Army Stew

This Easy Budae Jjigae is a flavorful Korean army stew featuring spicy kimchi, savory sausages, and melty cheese.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Broth & Base
  • 1 cup Kimchi adds a spicy, tangy kick
  • 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste) boosts heat and depth
  • 3 cups Water or Broth use anchovy broth for more depth
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce enhances umami
  • 3 cloves Garlic freshly minced
For the Protein & Cheesy Goodness
  • 2 links Sausages sliced
  • 1 cup Spam or Ham cubed
  • 1 block Firm Tofu cubed
  • 4 slices Sliced American Cheese for melting
For the Vegetables & Extras
  • 2 packs Instant Ramen Noodles
  • 4 green onions Green Onions chopped
  • 1 cup Mushrooms (optional) shiitake or enoki
  • 1 cup Bean Sprouts (optional)

Equipment

  • large pot

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Warm 1 tbsp oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic, cook 30 seconds, then stir in kimchi until lightly softened, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 3 cups broth or water. Stir until the paste dissolves and broth turns deep red.
  3. Arrange sliced sausages and cubed Spam in the simmering broth. Let them cook for 3–4 minutes until colors brighten and flavors meld.
  4. Gently nestle tofu cubes and cheese slices into stew. Cover and cook 1 minute more until cheese melts into creamy ribbons.
  5. Push ramen bricks into pot, then scatter mushrooms and bean sprouts. Simmer 2 minutes until noodles soften and veggies remain crisp-tender.
  6. Sprinkle chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve bubbling hot straight from the pot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Optional: Serve with steamed rice or extra kimchi on the side. Adjust spice levels as desired.

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