If you love spicy, savory comfort food, Budae-jjigae is about to become your new favorite meal. Created in the aftermath of the Korean War, this dish blended Korean flavors with surplus ingredients from U.S. military bases (like Spam, hot dogs, and instant noodles) to create something totally unique and delicious.
Today, it’s a Korean comfort food staple, enjoyed for its rich broth, hearty ingredients, and customizable nature.
Our version is quick, easy, and completely adaptable; whether you prefer more spice, different proteins, or extra veggies, you can make it your own!
Ingredients:
4 cups kimchi (older, fermented kimchi works best for a deeper flavor!)
8-10 cups water
1/2 white onion, sliced
1 container Spam, sliced
3 hot dogs or cooked sausages, sliced
4 tablespoons K-Mama Mild or Spicy Sauce (adjust to your spice level)
1 pack of ramen noodles (just the noodles—skip the seasoning packets)
Scallions for garnish
How to Make It:
1. Build the Broth Start by adding 4 cups of kimchi to a soup pot. Pour in 8-10 cups of water and bring it to a simmer. Let the kimchi and water heat together, infusing the broth with tangy, umami goodness.
2. While your broth heats, slice 1/2 a white onion and add it to the pot. Cover and let it cook down until softened.
3. Add your Spam and hot dogs (or whatever proteins you’re using). Since they’re already cooked, they only need a few minutes to soak up the flavors.
4. Once the proteins are in, stir in 4 tablespoons of K-Mama Sauce. Mild for a balanced heat or Spicy for an extra kick. Want it even hotter? Feel free to add more to taste!
5. Add 1 pack of ramen noodles (just the noodles, no seasoning packets). Let them cook until tender.
6. Serve & Enjoy Ladle your Army Stew into bowls and garnish with fresh scallions.
Optional: You can also add an egg on top for extra richness.
Why You’ll Love This Dish:
- Quick & easy since it can be ready in under 30 minutes!
- Customizable- Feel free to add whatever proteins, veggies, or toppings you love.
- Bold & flavorful – The perfect mix of spicy, savory, and umami.
- A taste of Korean history
Tag us when you make K-Mama Army Stew, we’d love to see your creations!
For our Kimchi Jjigae and other recipes, please keep scrolling through the blog!
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