Budae Jjigae Hotpot: A Delicious Guide to This Korean Comfort Food

Budae Jjigae Hotpot is a delightful and hearty dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Originating in Korea shortly after the Korean War, this unique hotpot combines traditional Korean ingredients with American influences, showcasing a fascinating blend of cultures. The dish was born out of necessity, utilizing surplus foods like spam and hot dogs, which were readily available at the time. Today, Budae Jjigae Hotpot is celebrated for its rich flavors and communal dining experience, making it a favorite among friends and family gatherings.

People love this dish not only for its robust taste but also for its versatile texture. The combination of spicy broth, tender vegetables, and savory proteins creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, the convenience of preparing Budae Jjigae Hotpot makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or festive occasions. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this dish promises to deliver satisfaction and joy with every bite. Join me as we explore the steps to create your very own Budae Jjigae Hotpot!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 package (14 oz) instant ramen noodles
• 1 cup kimchi, chopped
• 1 cup baked beans (canned)
• 1 cup sliced spam or hot dogs
• 1 cup tofu, cubed
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or button mushrooms)
• 1 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 cup sliced zucchini
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Base

1. In a large pot or a hotpot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Sprinkle in the gochugaru and stir well to combine, allowing the spices to bloom for about 30 seconds.
5. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing everything together.

Adding the Broth

1. Carefully add the chicken or beef broth and water to the pot, stirring to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Incorporating the Ingredients

1. Add the chopped kimchi to the pot, stirring it into the broth.
2. Next, add the baked beans, spam or hot dogs, tofu, mushrooms, and zucchini. Stir gently to combine.
3. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, letting the ingredients heat through and the flavors develop.

Cooking the Noodles

1. While the broth is simmering, prepare the instant ramen noodles according to the package instructions, but slightly undercook them as they will continue to cook in the hotpot.
2. Once the noodles are ready, drain them and set aside.

Final Assembly

1. After the broth has simmered and the ingredients are heated through, taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
2. Add the cooked ramen noodles to the pot, gently stirring to combine them with the broth and other ingredients.
3. Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top for added flavor and freshness.
4. If desired, add shredded cheese on top and cover the pot for a few minutes until the cheese melts.

Serving the Budae Jjigae

1. Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve the budae jjigae hot directly from the pot.
2. Provide individual bowls for guests to scoop out their portions, ensuring everyone gets a mix of noodles, broth, and toppings.
3. Optionally, serve with additional side dishes like rice or pickled vegetables to complement the meal.

Tips for Enjoying Budae Jjigae

• Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences. You can add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, or even different proteins like shrimp or chicken.
• If you like it spicier, add more gochugaru or some sliced fresh chili peppers.
• For a heartier meal, serve with steamed rice on the side.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the

  

  Conclusion:

  If you’re looking for a dish that embodies comfort, flavor, and a touch of adventure, then Budae Jjigae Hotpot is an absolute must-try! This Korean army stew is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together around the table. The combination of savory broth, tender meats, and a medley of vegetables creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is approachable and allows for creativity, making it perfect for any occasion.

  When serving Budae Jjigae, consider pairing it with a side of steamed rice to soak up the delicious broth. You can also serve it with kimchi or pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the stew. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, don’t hesitate to add extra gochujang or sliced jalapeños to the pot. If you want to switch things up, feel free to experiment with different proteins like shrimp or tofu, or even add in some noodles for a heartier meal. The beauty of Budae Jjigae is its versatility; you can customize it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

  I encourage you to gather your friends or family and make this delightful Budae Jjigae Hotpot together. Cooking is always more fun when shared, and this dish is perfect for communal dining. As you enjoy the bubbling pot of goodness, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind this dish, which originated during a time of scarcity and has evolved into a beloved comfort food.

  Once you’ve tried this recipe, I would love to hear about your experience! Did you stick to the traditional ingredients, or did you put your own spin on it? Share your thoughts, tips, and any variations you tried in the comments below. Your feedback not only helps me improve but also inspires others to dive into the world of Budae Jjigae Hotpot. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some delicious memories together!

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  Budae Jjigae Hotpot: A Delicious Guide to This Korean Comfort Food

  Budae Jjigae, or Korean Army Stew, is a comforting and spicy dish featuring instant ramen noodles, kimchi, and a mix of proteins and vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for sharing, this hearty stew offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes that warms the soul.

  Prep Time15 minutes

  Cook Time30 minutes

  Total Time45 minutes

  Category: Family Dinners

  Yield: 4-6 servings

  Save This Recipe

  Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 4 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 package (14 oz) instant ramen noodles
  • 1 cup kimchi, chopped
  • 1 cup baked beans (canned)
  • 1 cup sliced spam or hot dogs
  • 1 cup tofu, cubed
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or button mushrooms)
  • 1 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 cup sliced zucchini
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

  Instructions

  1. In a large pot or hotpot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle in the gochugaru and stir well to combine, allowing the spices to bloom for about 30 seconds.
  5. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing everything together.
  6. Carefully add the chicken or beef broth and water to the pot, stirring to combine.
  7. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
  8. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  9. Add the chopped kimchi to the pot, stirring it into the broth.
  10. Next, add the baked beans, spam or hot dogs, tofu, mushrooms, and zucchini. Stir gently to combine.
  11. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, letting the ingredients heat through and the flavors develop.
  12. While the broth is simmering, prepare the instant ramen noodles according to the package instructions, but slightly undercook them as they will continue to cook in the hotpot.
  13. Once the noodles are ready, drain them and set aside.
  14. After the broth has simmered and the ingredients are heated through, taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  15. Add the cooked ramen noodles to the pot, gently stirring to combine them with the broth and other ingredients.
  16. Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top for added flavor and freshness.
  17. If desired, add shredded cheese on top and cover the pot for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
  18. Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve the budae jjigae hot directly from the pot.
  19. Provide individual bowls for guests to scoop out their portions, ensuring everyone gets a mix of noodles, broth, and toppings.
  20. Optionally, serve with additional side dishes like rice or pickled vegetables to complement the meal.

  Notes

  • Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences. You can add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, or even different proteins like shrimp or chicken.
  • If you like it spicier, add more gochugaru or some sliced fresh chili peppers.
  • For a heartier meal, serve with steamed rice on the side.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.