Budae Jjigae Recipe – Authentic Korean Army Hotpot Explained

If you love Korean food, then you’ve probably heard of Budae Jjigae, also known as Korean Army Hotpot. This dish is not only delicious and hearty but also has a fascinating history behind it. It’s a perfect combination of Korean and Western flavors, all simmered together in one big, comforting pot. Let’s explore what makes Budae Jjigae special, its history, ingredients, and how you can easily make it at home.

What Is Budae Jjigae?

Budae Jjigae (부대찌개) literally means “army base stew.” It was created after the Korean War when food was scarce, and Koreans made use of leftover U.S. military supplies like spam, sausages, and baked beans. These ingredients were mixed with Korean staples such as kimchi, gochujang (red chili paste), and noodles to create a flavorful stew that’s both spicy and savory.

Today, Budae Jjigae is a popular comfort food in Korea, enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s often served in a large pot at the center of the table, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

The History Behind Korean Army Hotpot

After the Korean War in the 1950s, food shortages were a major issue. People near American military bases began using surplus ingredients like canned meats and beans that soldiers shared or discarded. Combining these with local Korean spices and vegetables gave birth to Budae Jjigae, which literally translates to “Army Base Stew.”

What started as a survival meal has now become a beloved fusion dish, blending Korean flavors with Western ingredients. It’s a symbol of resilience, creativity, and the blending of cultures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Budae Jjigae is that you can easily customize it. Here’s a basic ingredient list for a traditional version:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup kimchi (chopped)

• ½ onion (sliced)

• 1 green onion (chopped)

• 1-2 cups chicken or beef broth

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)

• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 pack instant ramen noodles

• 1 slice of cheese (optional but common)

• 1 can baked beans (optional)

Meat & Protein:

• 1 can Spam (sliced)

• 2-3 sausages (sliced diagonally)

• 100g ground beef or pork (optional)

• ½ block firm tofu (cut into cubes)

Vegetables & Add-ons:

• Mushrooms (shiitake, enoki, or button)

• Napa cabbage or lettuce

• Rice cakes (tteok)

• Slices of American cheese

• Rice (served on the side)

You can add or remove ingredients depending on what you have at home — Budae Jjigae is all about mixing and matching flavors.

How to Make Budae Jjigae (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

In a large pot, add chicken or beef broth. Mix in soy sauce, gochugaru, gochujang, minced garlic, and sugar. Stir well until everything blends together. This forms the spicy and savory base of your stew.

Step 2: Add the Ingredients

Neatly arrange all your ingredients — Spam, sausages, kimchi, mushrooms, onions, tofu, and rice cakes — in the pot. Try to make it look colorful and balanced. Pour the broth over the top.

Step 3: Start Cooking

Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts bubbling, reduce to low heat and let it simmer for about 10–15 minutes so the flavors can mix.

Step 4: Add Noodles

When the stew is almost ready, add ramen noodles and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Place a slice of cheese on top if you want a creamy, rich texture.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the hotpot directly at the table. Everyone can scoop from the pot into their own bowl. It’s best enjoyed with a bowl of steamed rice on the side.

Taste & Texture – What Makes It So Unique

The flavor of Budae Jjigae is complex yet balanced — spicy, salty, slightly sweet, and umami-rich. The spam and sausage give it a smoky flavor, while the kimchi adds tanginess. When you add cheese, it turns slightly creamy, making it even more comforting. The noodles and broth together make each bite flavorful and satisfying.

It’s the perfect dish for cold weather or when you want something filling and energizing.

Health & Nutrition Insights

While Budae Jjigae is tasty, it’s not the lightest meal due to processed meats like Spam and sausages. However, you can make it healthier with small changes:

• Use low-sodium broth and sauces

• Replace Spam with lean pork or chicken

• Add more vegetables for fiber

• Use whole grain noodles instead of instant noodles

In moderation, this dish can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. The fermented kimchi adds probiotics, while the vegetables give vitamins and minerals.

Fun Facts About Budae Jjigae

• ? Fusion Creation: It’s one of the first true “fusion dishes” combining American and Korean flavors.

• ? Popularity: There are entire restaurants in Korea dedicated only to Budae Jjigae.

• ?? Symbol of Resilience: It reminds Koreans of how creativity helped them survive difficult times after the war.

• ? Cheese Addition: The melted cheese topping is a modern twist loved by young Koreans.

• ? Shared Meal: It’s considered a communal dish — meant to be shared and enjoyed together.

Serving Tips

• Serve Budae Jjigae boiling hot in the pot it’s cooked in.

• Pair it with kimchi side dishes, pickled radish, or steamed rice.

• Add a fried egg on top for extra flavor.

• For spice lovers, top with extra gochugaru or sliced chili peppers.

Conclusion

Budae Jjigae, or Korean Army Hotpot, is more than just a meal — it’s a story of history, creativity, and comfort. From its humble beginnings after the Korean War to becoming one of Korea’s favorite dishes, it represents how food can unite cultures and generations Available at Korean BBQ.

With its mix of bold flavors, easy ingredients, and heartwarming nature, this dish is perfect for anyone who loves Korean food or simply enjoys a cozy meal. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or create your own twist, Budae Jjigae will always be a delicious reminder of resilience and togetherness.