Hearty and Spicy Budae Jjigae (Army Stew)
Hearty and Spicy Budae Jjigae (Army Stew)
Beat the Post-Holiday Bloat: Easy & Flavorful Budae Jjigae with a Store-Bought Sauce Base
After a long holiday season filled with rich foods, are you craving something lighter and more invigorating? This Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew) is the perfect solution! Utilizing leftover beef bone broth (seolleongtang) or brisket broth from making tteokguk, this recipe offers a refreshingly spicy and savory soup base. Packed with kimchi, a variety of processed meats, and fresh vegetables, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that cuts through any lingering richness from festive meals. Designed for busy cooks, it simplifies the process by using a commercial Budae Jjigae sauce base, making it incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a delightful dinner, this recipe will satisfy your cravings and bring warmth to your table.
Main Ingredients- 500g Beef bone broth or brisket broth (leftover from tteokguk is great)
- 1 packet store-bought Budae Jjigae sauce
- Kimchi, to taste (including some brine)
- 200g assorted processed meats (sausages, ham, Spam, etc.)
- 1/2 onion
- 1/3 carrot
- 1 handful of desired noodles/fillers (ramen, udon, rice cakes, glass noodles, etc.)
- 1/5 block firm tofu
- 1 slice processed cheese
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In a large pot or Korean hot pot, combine the beef bone broth or brisket broth (500g) and 1 packet of store-bought Budae Jjigae sauce. Bring this mixture to a boil. Feel free to add any extra vegetables you have on hand, such as mushrooms or zucchini, for added flavor and texture.
Step 2
Once the broth is boiling, add the kimchi (with some of its brine) and the chopped vegetables (onion, carrot). Let this simmer until the vegetables are mostly tender. Then, add the firm tofu and the processed meats (briefly blanched in hot water if desired) and continue to simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3
Finally, add your choice of noodles or fillers like ramen, rice cakes, udon, or glass noodles. Cook for an additional 4-10 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through and the ingredients are well-integrated. If using ramen noodles, be careful not to overcook them. You can also serve this directly from a portable burner at your table for a communal dining experience. Top with a slice of processed cheese just before serving for an extra creamy and rich finish.
