Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Base Stew)

Spam, baked beans, and instant ramen noodles make this Korean stew ultra-satisfying.
"Army base" stew, also known as budae jjigae, originated from the food scarcity experienced by Korean communities after the Korean War. Displaced Korean families obtained shelf-stable ingredients such as Spam and baked beans from commissaries on American military bases and incorporated them into their recipes. The result was a unique fusion of American and Korean ingredients, creating a flavorful, hearty dish still enjoyed by Korean families today.
Beef up the stew with more mix-ins like instant ramen noodles, chewy Korean rice cakes, or sliced fish cake. Finally, top the whole thing off with a couple of American or cheddar cheese slices to create a creamy, melty bite.
Ingredients:
- 7 cups chicken stock
- 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ganjang (such as Koko)
- 1 tablespoon gochujang
- 2 teaspoons gochugaru
- 1 (8-ounce) can baked beans
- 7 ounces smoked pork sausage (such as kielbasa), cut into 1/2-inch slices
- 1 (7-ounce) can Spam, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 2/3 cups baechu-kimchi (napa cabbage kimchi), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 5 large scallions, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Sliced or shredded cheddar cheese, instant ramen noodles, tteok (Korean rice cakes), and sliced fish cake (optional), for serving
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
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