Easy Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)

Budae Jjigae, also known as army stew, is one of Korea’s most beloved comfort foods. Budae Jjigae (부대찌개), which translates to army base stew, is a fusion dish that was invented shortly after the Korean war (in the early 1950’s), when the American army was stationed in the city of Uijeongbu, which is an hour north of Seoul. After the Korean war ended in 1953, food became extremely scarce for the locals. The only ingredients that were available after the war were food supplies left behind by U.S. military bases, which were quickly gathered by the local Koreans to supplement their food shortage. Using all the ingredients that were accessible, they put together a comforting stew that incorporated American ingredients including spam, sausages, canned beans, and sliced cheese with kimchi, garlic, and Korean chili paste to feed and nourish their families. Rooted in deep history, army stew remains to be one of the most iconic dishes in Korean cuisine and one that combines everything that Koreans love in one dish, with irresistible flavors to instantly warm your palate. It also makes for the perfect hot pot dish to share around the table with your loved ones (using a portable stove), which makes it the ultimate meal to enjoy over the holidays and one that requires minimal effort to prepare. https://www.cookerru.com/budae-jjigae/?utm_source=whisk&utm_medium=android&utm_campaign=easy_budae_jjigae_(korean_army_stew)

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Step 1

Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

Step 2

In a soup pot heat and sear the outside of the hotdogs and spam.

Step 3

Add the sauce and chicken broth, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4

When the stew starts to boil add mushrooms, rice cakes, onion, and kimchi. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Add the noodles and boil for another 3-4 minutes until the noodles are cooked.

Step 6

Garnish with green onion and serve with a bowl of steamed rice on the side if desired. Enjoy!