Budae Chigae / Budae Jjigae (Army Base Stew)

Budae Jjigae (Army Base Stew) is one of many favorite dishes from Koreans worldwide, this dish is known to have originated from the Korean War.  During the war, Koreans have salvaged any means of food from the American soldiers in which there were an abundance of hot dog, sausages, and spam along with other staples.  

Much like Kimchi Chigae, this soup-based dish contains kimchi, tofu, scallions, onions, kochujang, and much more.  Also, to add texture and volume to the soup, it can contain vermicelli as well as ramyun noodles.  It is consumed along with a bowl of rice to compliment its spiciness and its abundance in meat such as spam, sausages and pork. 

Korean101: Budae which translates into army in Korean and chigae meaning stew, this dish is known to have originated from the Korean War.

Recipe Ingredient:

Onion, minced
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1/4 Gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
Water
Onion, chopped
3 cloves Garlic, chopped
1 or 2 Chile Peppers, chopped
1 Leek, white part, sliced thinly
Hot Dogs or Sausage, sliced
Spam or Ham, sliced
Green Leafy Vegetables (such as Spinach, Chrysanthemum Leaves, Kale)
Sliced Firm Tofu (optional)
1 can Baked Beans (optional)
Soju (optional)
1 Package of Ramen Noodles (discard the flavoring packet)

Cooking Directions:

• Stir fry the minced Garlic and Onion in a teeny tiny drop of oil.
• Add the Gochujang and stir fry a little bit.
• Add enough Water to fill the wok half way. Turn the heat to high.
• Add chopped Onions, chopped Garlic, and Leeks and bring to a boil.
• Add the Meats. Boil for two minutes.
• Add the Leafy Green Vegetables, Tofu, and Baked Beans... and maybe a dash of Soju for good luck. Boil for a couple of minutes.
• Add the Ramen Noodles and immediately turn off the heat.
• Serve in the pot on the table accompanied by rice, kimchi, and other side dishes. If possible, have it simmering on a campfire stove on the table. Guests serve themselves.