Dive into the heart of Korean comfort food with the irresistible Army Base Stew, or Budae Jjigae! This vibrant and hearty stew, born from the unique fusion of traditional Korean ingredients and American influences, promises to tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul. Imagine a bubbling pot filled with savory spam, juicy hot dogs, and spicy kimchi, all simmered to perfection. Whether you're looking to impress your friends at a gathering or simply craving a cozy meal at home, this recipe is your ticket to a delicious adventure. Get ready to discover the secrets behind this beloved dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Korean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g spam, sliced
- 200g hot dogs, sliced
- 1 cup kimchi
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 block tofu, cubed
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Instant noodles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by slicing spam and hot dogs into thin pieces, cube tofu, slice onions and mushrooms, and chop green onions.
- In a wide, shallow pot or deep skillet, arrange sliced spam and hot dogs as a base layer to create a flavorful foundation for the stew.
- Add sliced onions and kimchi over the meat, distributing them evenly across the pot.
- In a separate bowl, mix water, gochujang, and soy sauce to create a spicy base sauce. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the pot.
- Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the liquid to a gentle boil, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once boiling, add cubed tofu and sliced mushrooms to the stew, gently nestling them into the liquid.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to cook thoroughly.
- Optional: If using instant noodles, add them during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, ensuring they are just cooked but not mushy.
- Garnish with chopped green onions just before serving for added freshness and color.
- Serve hot directly from the pot, encouraging communal-style eating with rice on the side.
Tips
- Ingredient Prep: Take the time to slice your spam, hot dogs, and vegetables ahead of time. This not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder stew, reduce the amount of gochujang or add a little sugar to balance the heat. Conversely, if you like it spicy, feel free to add more gochujang or even some sliced fresh chilies.
- Layering Flavors: Start with a good base of spam and hot dogs, as they provide a rich flavor. Make sure to distribute the kimchi and onions evenly for a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Simmering Time: Allow the stew to simmer for the full 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors. This is where the magic happens, so be patient!
- Noodle Perfection: If adding instant noodles, keep an eye on them as they can overcook quickly. Add them in the last few minutes and stir gently to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Serving Style: Serve the stew directly from the pot for a communal dining experience. Pair it with a bowl of steamed rice to balance out the flavors and make it a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
