One of my favorite Korean dishes is Budae Jjigae, also known as Korean Army Stew. The only downside is that most restaurants serve it for a minimum of two people. So, I decided to create a recipe specifically for one person, allowing me to enjoy this comfort food more often. Today, I’ll be sharing my simple and satisfying one-person Army Stew recipe. It brings all the delicious flavors of this popular dish to a single serving, making it perfect for solo enjoyment. Let’s dive into the straightforward process of preparing tasty Budae Jjigae that’s just the right size for one person.
What is Budae Jjigae, and why is it called Army Base Stew?
Budae Jjigae/부대찌개, which translates to “Army Stew” or “Army Base Stew,” carries a fascinating history that reflects the resilience and ingenuity of the Korean people. Its origins can be traced back to the aftermath of the Korean War in the 1950s when the country faced scarcity and economic hardships. In the wake of the war, Korea was left with surplus food products from the U.S. military bases, such as Spam, hot dogs, and canned goods.
Resourceful Koreans, known for their ability to adapt and create delicious dishes, ingeniously combined these unlikely ingredients with local staples like kimchi, tofu, and noodles. Thus, Budae Jjigae was born—a dish that symbolizes the spirit of resilience and the fusion of Korean and American culinary influences.
Originally, Budae Jjigae was a humble stew cooked in large pots over open fires by families seeking to make the most of limited resources. Over time, it gained popularity among the masses and transformed into a beloved comfort food, finding its place not only in homes but also in restaurants throughout Korea.
The history of Korean Army Stew is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Korean people, who transformed scarcity into a culinary triumph. It serves as a reminder that even from the most challenging circumstances, delicious creations can emerge, captivating taste buds and hearts around the world.
Which ingredients can I add to Korean Army Stew?
Budae Jjigae, born out of ingenuity and resourcefulness, is a remarkably versatile dish. Originally crafted from humble leftovers and created amidst limited resources, this stew welcomes a wide array of ingredients.
Here are some of my favorites:
- Kimchi
- Tofu
- Enoki Mushrooms
- Spam
- Vienna Sausages
- Rice Cakes
- Samgyeopsal/Pork Belly
- Green Onions
- Green Pepper
- Dangmyeon/Glass Noodles
- Ramyeon Noodles
- Cheese
Budae Jjigae – FAQs
What is Budae Jjigae?
Budae Jjigae is a Korean dish, also known as Army Base Stew. It originated after the Korean War when people combined surplus U.S. military food with local ingredients to create a flavorful stew.
What are the typical ingredients?
The ingredients can vary, but common ones include spam, kimchi, tofu, instant noodles, sliced sausage, and vegetables.
Is Budae Jjigae spicy?
Yes, Korean Army Stew is often known for its spicy and flavorful broth. However, you can adjust the spice level according to your preference.
Can I make a vegetarian or vegan version of Budae Jjigae?
Yes, you can modify the recipe to make a vegetarian or vegan Army Stew. Replace meat products with tofu, mushrooms, or plant-based protein alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of meat-based broth.
Can I freeze leftover Budae Jjigae?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Allow it to cool, portion it into airtight containers, and freeze. When reheating, thaw it in the refrigerator and heat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I find Budae Jjigae at Korean restaurants outside of Korea?
Yes, Army Base Stew is a popular dish and can be found at many Korean restaurants around the world, especially those that specialize in Korean stews or comfort food.
Still hungry? Here are some recipes you might like:
- Sundubu Jjigae – Korean Spicy Soft Tofu Stew
- Tuna Mayo Rice Bowl
- The Ultimate Summer Dish: Jjolmyeon – Korean Spicy Chewy Noodles
One-Person Budae Jjigae (1인분 부대찌개)
Ingredients
- 50 g Vienna Sausages
- 70 g Spam
- 30 g Kimchi
- 50 g Tofu
- 1/5 Stalk Green Onion
- 80 g Enoki Mushrooms
- 1/2 Pack Plain Ramyeon Noodles (라면사리)
- 500 ml Beef Bone Broth or Water
Sauce
- 1 tbsp Gochujang
- 1/5 tbsp Gochugaru
- 1/5 tbsp Sugar
- 1/5 tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/5 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all ingredients listed under "sauce" and mix with a spoon until well combined. Set aside.
- Cut all ingredients you want to add to your stew into bite-sized pieces.
- Place them in a medium-sized pot and add the sauce mixture on top. Add 500ml of beef bone broth or water.
- Bring everything to a boil and add the Ramyeon noodles. Let everything boil for about 4-5 minutes over medium-high heat.
- Serve immediately with rice.