There is no better representation of my dual cultures, American and Korean, than a recipe for Budae Jjigae or army base stew. It’s a hearty, spicy dish filled with savory meats, cheese, and an assortment of other ingredients based on what’s available.
My mother would usually prepare this dish for special occasions. She would use leftover hot dogs, ham, bacon, and any other meat she could find. These ingredients would then be dumped into a bubbling broth that’s been simmered on a portable gas stove centered on the table. She would also incorporate vegetables such as fresh cabbage or mushrooms to balance the saltiness of the meats.
Once we finished consuming all the tasty ingredients from the pot, my mom would add rice to the remaining broth and stir it into the most amazing fried rice. After I had settled into bed, I could still hear the sound of their laughter and chatter echoing through the house as they continued to enjoy their meal, washing it down with soju.
Budae Jjigae, which translates to “army base stew” in Korean, emerged after the end of the Korean War. During this time, food was scarce and people often resorted to using army rations available at U.S. Army bases. The dish is commonly prepared in the colder seasons due to its warming effects and is perfect for communal dining.
To prepare Budae Jjigae, create a spicy broth by combining gochujang, gochugaru, and other flavorful sauces. Add in an assortment of ingredients like Spam, tofu, noodles, beans, sausages, and vegetables to this broth. Once everything is thoroughly cooked, you can finish by adding in a few slices of cheese on top to give the stew a creamy texture. Garnish with sliced green onions and voila! You have a pot of spicy Budae Jjigae ready to be served.
The ingredients for this dish are flexible and substitutions can be made based on your personal preferences or dietary restrictions. Some options for substitutions include using vegan ramen, cocktail sausages, or substitute pork belly for Spam. You can also add more varieties of mushrooms and other vegetables such as kale, turnips, or sweet potatoes for a vegetarian version.
Budae J
