Korean Army Stew (Budae Jjigae) with Ramen, Spam, and Kimchi

A spicy and flavorful Korean stew with ramen noodles, spam, sausage, kimchi, and gochujang. Hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cold day.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Calories

875

Level

Easy

Yields

4 servings

Cost

£3.39

Season:

Meal Type:

Cuisine:

Mood:

Ingredients

Servings

200gSpam(Cut into 1/4-inch thick slices)

£2.50

200gSausage(Such as hot dogs, Vienna sausages, or Korean sausages, sliced)

£2.00

1cupKimchi(Roughly chopped, include some of the kimchi juice)

£2.50

2packagesRamen Noodles(Any flavor, discard seasoning packets (or reserve for another use))

£1.50

0.5cupBaked Beans(Optional)

£0.35

0.5blockTofu(Firm or silken, cubed)

£1.25

2stalksGreen Onions(Chopped)

£0.50

1packageEnoki Mushrooms(Trimmed)

£1.00

2slicesAmerican Cheese Slices(Optional)

£0.50

4cupsWater or Chicken Broth

£0.50

2tablespoonsGochujang (Korean Chili Paste)(Adjust to taste)

£0.40

1tablespoonGochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes)(Optional, for extra spice)

£0.30

1tablespoonSoy Sauce

£0.10

2clovesGarlic(Minced)

£0.10

1teaspoonSugar(Optional, balances the spice)

£0.05

Total Cost

£13.55

£3.39 per serving

The Method

1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine water or chicken broth, gochujang, gochugaru (if using), soy sauce, garlic, and sugar (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2
Add kimchi, spam, sausage, baked beans (if using), and tofu to the pot. Bring back to a simmer.
3
Cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
Add the ramen noodles to the pot. Cook according to package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still firm.
5
Stir in the green onions and enoki mushrooms during the last minute of cooking.
6
If using, place the American cheese slices on top of the stew during the last minute of cooking to melt slightly.
7
Serve hot immediately. Budae Jjigae is traditionally eaten directly from the pot at the table.

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My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (600g)

875 kcal / 3661 kJ

Carbs

65g

25% of RDA

Fat

50g

71% of RDA

Protein

45g

90% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

7 g

23% of RDA

Sugar

18 g

20% of RDA

Sodium

2600 mg

113% of RDA

Saturated Fat

22 g

110% of RDA

Chef's Tips

Adjust the amount of gochujang and gochugaru to your desired level of spiciness.

You can add other vegetables such as sliced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Serve with rice for a more substantial meal.

For a richer flavor, use anchovy broth instead of water or chicken broth.

Feel free to add other proteins like ground beef or sliced pork belly.

Cooking Equipment

Large Pot or Dutch Oven

Knife

Cutting Board

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

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Chef's Tips

Adjust the amount of gochujang and gochugaru to your desired level of spiciness.

You can add other vegetables such as sliced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Serve with rice for a more substantial meal.

For a richer flavor, use anchovy broth instead of water or chicken broth.

Feel free to add other proteins like ground beef or sliced pork belly.

Korean Army Stew (Budae Jjigae) with Ramen, Spam, and Kimchi

Ingredients

The Method