This Korean Army Stew (Budae Jjigae) is the ultimate cozy meal—bold, savory, and spicy with instant noodles, tofu, spam, sausages, kimchi, mushrooms, and melty cheese all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth.

It’s a nostalgic Korean-American fusion dish that’s perfect for sharing on cold nights or whenever you’re craving something satisfying and hearty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and spicy with gochujang, kimchi, and Korean chili flakes

Loaded with texture from tofu, spam, mushrooms, and ramen

Quick and easy to make in just one pot

Customizable heat level to suit your taste

Perfect comfort food with cheesy, brothy, savory bites 

Ingredient Highlights

Tofu – Use firm tofu sliced for texture and protein.

Spam or canned meat – Adds salty, savory flavor and classic Budae Jjigae character.

Sausages – Korean-style, hot dogs, or Vienna sausages work well.

Kimchi + Kimchi juice – Fermented cabbage brings tang, spice, and umami.

Gochujang & Gochugaru – Signature Korean heat and color.

Instant ramen – For slurp-worthy noodles that soak up the broth.

Cheese – A slice of melty cheddar or American adds richness and creaminess.

Mushrooms – Enoki or seafood mushrooms add a soft, silky bite.

Chicken broth – Use low-sodium for a balanced broth base.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use a shallow pot or wide pan for the best presentation and even cooking.

Don’t stir too much—arranging the ingredients side-by-side creates that classic look.

Adjust spice level by using less gochugaru or adding more cheese to mellow it out.

Kimchi juice is essential—it enhances the depth and tang in the broth.

Add extra toppings like rice cakes, baked beans, or an egg for variety.

How to Make Korean Army Stew (Budae Jjigae)

Step 1: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine gochujang, light soy sauce, sugar, gochugaru, and minced garlic.

Stir well to form a thick, spicy-sweet sauce.

Step 2: Arrange the Ingredients
In a wide, shallow pot, neatly arrange the sliced tofu, spam, sausages, onion, green onions, and mushrooms around the edges.

Place the kimchi, kimchi juice, and a few green onion pieces in the center.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Broth
Spoon the prepared sauce into the center of the pot.

Pour the chicken broth or water over everything, making sure it’s evenly distributed without disturbing the arrangement.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew
Bring the pot to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Once it’s bubbling, cover with a lid and let it cook for 6–8 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 5: Add Ramen Noodles
Reduce the heat to medium-low.

Nestle the instant noodles in the center of the pot, pushing them down gently into the broth.

Let them cook for 3–4 minutes until tender.

Step 6: Finish and Serve
Top with a slice of cheese, scatter with reserved green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot.

Let everyone dig in while it’s still bubbling and fragrant.

What to Serve It With

Steamed white rice for extra comfort

Kimchi pancakes or scallion pancakes on the side

Pickled radish or cucumbers to cool down the heat

Korean beer or soju for an authentic touch

Extra cheese or eggs for added richness

Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian version – Omit spam and sausage; add more tofu or mushrooms.

More protein – Add thinly sliced beef, ground pork, or a poached egg.

Extra spicy – Add a spoonful of chili crisp or Korean hot pepper paste.

Swap noodles – Try udon or rice noodles for a different texture.

No cheese? – Leave it out or replace with shredded mozzarella.

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.

Note: Noodles will absorb broth and soften further—still delicious!

Not recommended for freezing due to the texture of tofu and noodles.

FAQs

What is Budae Jjigae?
It’s a Korean “army base stew” combining traditional ingredients like kimchi and gochujang with American additions like spam, sausages, and cheese.

Can I make it less spicy?
Yes, reduce the gochugaru and sriracha or omit the chili altogether.

Do I need kimchi juice?
It adds authentic tang and depth, but you can replace it with a splash of rice vinegar or more broth in a pinch.

Can I make it in advance?
Yes, prep the ingredients ahead and assemble when ready to cook.

What kind of sausages work best?
Hot dogs, Vienna sausages, or Korean-style sausages are all traditional.

Do I need gochujang and gochugaru?
For authentic flavor, yes. But you can substitute with sriracha or chili paste if needed.

Is it okay to mix everything together?
Once served, yes! Mixing it all is part of the fun and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Korean Army Stew (Budae Jjigae) is a nostalgic, bold-flavored feast that brings people together.

It’s hearty, customizable, and hits all the comfort food notes—from spicy broth and chewy noodles to creamy cheese and umami-packed meats.

It’s a one-pot dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make!