Spicy and Hearty Army Stew (Budae-jjigae) Golden Recipe
The Perfect Balance! Budae-jjigae Golden Recipe with a Flavorful Broth
The temperature has dropped suddenly with this late winter chill! Yesterday was so cold, it was the kind of weather that made you shiver all day. Craving something hot and soupy, I decided to make a delicious and spicy Budae-jjigae. This recipe balances the flavors perfectly, making it a satisfying meal for a cold day.
Stew Ingredients- Spam, 1 can (200g)
- Vienna sausages, 300g
- Baked beans, 2 Tbsp
- Firm tofu, 1/2 block
- Kimchi, 2 cups
- Bean sprouts, 1 handful
- Korean zucchini (Hobak), 1/3
- Onion, 1/2
- Red chili pepper, 1
- Green onion, 1/2 stalk
- Crown daisy (Ssukgat), a little
- Slice of cheese, 1
- Anchovy and kelp broth, 1200ml
Seasoning Ingredients- Red pepper flakes (Gochugaru), 2 Tbsp
- Soy sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang), 2 Tbsp
- Cooking wine (Mirin), 2 Tbsp
- Red pepper paste (Gochujang), 1 Tbsp
- Ramen soup powder, 1 Tbsp
- Black pepper, a pinch
- Noodles or rice cake slices, as desired
- Red pepper flakes (Gochugaru), 2 Tbsp
- Soy sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang), 2 Tbsp
- Cooking wine (Mirin), 2 Tbsp
- Red pepper paste (Gochujang), 1 Tbsp
- Ramen soup powder, 1 Tbsp
- Black pepper, a pinch
- Noodles or rice cake slices, as desired
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing all the vegetables and ingredients for the stew. Slice the Korean zucchini into half-moons and thinly slice the onion. Cut the red chili pepper diagonally and the green onion into long pieces. Rinse the bean sprouts thoroughly. Dice the tofu and Spam into bite-sized cubes.
Step 2
Score the Vienna sausages diagonally. This not only makes them look attractive as they cook but also enhances their texture. Cut the Spam and tofu into cubes for a substantial, ‘ham stew’-like bite.
Step 3
Arrange all the prepared vegetables, Spam, tofu, and baked beans attractively in a large pot. Adding everything at once makes the cooking process much simpler, requiring less hands-on effort. Let it simmer vigorously until bubbling, creating a hearty Budae-jjigae perfect for sharing with your family around the table.
Step 4
To achieve the best flavor, mix the seasoning ingredients according to the recipe to create the seasoning paste. Feel free to adjust the amount of seasoning based on your personal preference or the number of servings. A key secret to a delicious Budae-jjigae is adding a touch of ramen soup powder, which adds a wonderful depth and umami flavor.
Step 5
Prepare a flavorful broth by simmering anchovies, dried pollock (if available), and kelp. Having the broth ready while you prepare the other ingredients will streamline the cooking process. A clear, savory broth is essential for enhancing the overall taste of the Budae-jjigae.
Step 6
Pour the prepared broth into the pot with the arranged ingredients and bring it to a boil. Allow it to simmer well, letting all the flavors meld together. In the final stage, place a slice of cheese on top. The melting cheese will add a creamy texture and rich flavor to the stew.
Step 7
Once the stew has simmered and the ingredients are cooked through, taste it. Adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more ramen soup powder. Your delicious and hearty Budae-jjigae is now ready! For an even more satisfying meal, consider adding ramen noodles or rice cake slices according to your preference.
