Budae-jjigae

Alright, settle in, everyone! Chef here, and today we're tackling a Korean comfort food classic: Budae-jjigae, or Army Stew. This is a hearty, delicious, and customizable dish that's perfect for a chilly evening or a casual gathering. Don't be intimidated by the list of ingredients, it's mostly about layering flavors and letting it all simmer together. Let's get cooking!

Budae-jjigae (Army Stew) Recipe

Yields: 4-6 servings Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• Broth Base:

  • 8 cups beef broth or chicken broth (low sodium is preferred)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) - adjust to your spice preference
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dashi powder (optional, but adds umami)

• Proteins & Fillings:

  • 1/2 pound spam, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
  • 1/2 pound frankfurters (hot dogs), cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
  • 1/2 pound ground pork or beef (optional, but adds richness)
  • 1/2 cup kimchi, coarsely chopped
  • 1 package (3.5 oz) instant ramen noodles (Shin Ramyun or similar spicy brand is great)
  • 1/2 cup baked beans (canned)
  • 4 slices American cheese (optional, for melting on top)
  • 1/2 package firm tofu, drained and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup enoki mushrooms, trimmed
  • 1/2 cup scallions, chopped

• Vegetables:

  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake, button, or oyster mushrooms work well)
  • 1/2 cup sliced zucchini or Korean zucchini (aehobak)
  • 1/2 cup sliced green bell pepper (optional)

• Toppings (optional):

  • 1 egg per serving
  • Sliced rice cakes (tteok)
  • Extra kimchi
  • More scallions
  • Sesame oil

Equipment:

• Large pot or Korean hot pot (Jeongol)
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons and cups

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth:

• In your large pot or hot pot, combine the beef (or chicken) broth, water, gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, minced garlic, sugar, black pepper, and dashi powder (if using). Stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (add more gochujang or gochugaru for more spice, soy sauce for saltiness, or sugar for sweetness).

2. Layer the Ingredients:

• Arrange the onion, sliced mushrooms, zucchini (or aehobak), and green bell pepper (if using) in the bottom of the pot in a circular or decorative pattern.
• Next, arrange the spam, frankfurters, ground pork (if using), kimchi, tofu, and baked beans artfully on top of the vegetables. Try to create different zones of color and texture.
• Place the package of instant ramen noodles in the center of the stew, leaving it dry for now.
• Scatter the enoki mushrooms and chopped scallions over the top.

3. Simmer and Cook:

• Bring the broth to a rolling boil. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the ingredients to cook through.
• After 15-20 minutes, check the noodles. They should be cooked through but still slightly firm. If they're overcooked, fish them out and add fresh ones later. At this point, stir the stew gently to incorporate the noodles and ensure everything is evenly heated.

4. Finish and Serve:

• If using, place slices of American cheese on top of the stew during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing them to melt slightly.
• Crack an egg on top of each serving, allowing the yolk to cook to your preference.
• Garnish with extra kimchi, scallions, and a drizzle of sesame oil, if desired.
• Serve hot, directly from the pot. Let everyone serve themselves and enjoy the delicious medley of flavors and textures.

Chef's Tips & Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of gochugaru to control the spiciness. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more to taste.
• Protein Power: Feel free to add or substitute other proteins like sliced ribeye, pork belly, or even canned tuna.
• Vegetable Variety: Experiment with other vegetables like bok choy, bean sprouts, or thinly sliced carrots.
• Tteok (Rice Cakes): Adding sliced rice cakes is a classic addition that provides a chewy texture. Add them at the same time as the noodles.
• Broth Boost: For an even richer broth, consider using anchovy broth (dasima-myeolchi broth) as a base.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of white rice to soak up the delicious broth.
• Leftovers: Budae-jjigae is even better the next day! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy your Budae-jjigae! It's a communal and comforting dish that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Now, go forth and create your own delicious version!