Korean Army Stew, also known as Budae Jjigae, is one of the most comforting, flavourful, and satisfying Korean dishes you can easily make at home. Packed with spam, sausages, kimchi, noodles, cheese, and vegetables, this hearty stew is a favourite in many of the Best Food Resturents in Singapore. But the great news is—you don’t need to visit a restaurant to enjoy it. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate this delicious dish right in your kitchen.

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In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to prepare an authentic Korean Army Stew recipe at home, from ingredients to cooking steps, tips, and variations.

What Is Korean Army Stew (Budae Jjigae)?

Korean Army Stew is a modern Korean dish that originated after the Korean War. When food was scarce, people used whatever ingredients they could find—spam, sausages, baked beans—and combined them with traditional Korean flavours like kimchi and gochujang. The result was a rich, spicy, hearty stew that has now become a well-loved comfort food in Korea and across the world, including the Best Food Resturents in Singapore.

Today, it’s enjoyed for its fun mix of ingredients, bold flavours, and the cozy feeling it brings to the table.

Why Make Korean Army Stew at Home?

Making Budae Jjigae at home is easy, fast, and incredibly rewarding. Here’s why it’s worth trying:

1. Simple Ingredients

Most ingredients are easily available at supermarkets or Korean grocery stores.

2. Budget-Friendly

You can make a big pot of stew at a fraction of restaurant prices—even those served at the Best Food Resturents in Singapore.

3. Customisable

Adjust the spice level, add more noodles, or make it cheesy—your kitchen, your rules.

4. Perfect for Sharing

This stew is best enjoyed with family or friends gathered around the pot.

Ingredients You Need for Korean Army Stew

Here is the basic ingredient list for an authentic, flavour-packed Budae Jjigae:

Protein & Western Ingredients

Korean Ingredients

Noodles & Vegetables

Broth

These ingredients are similar to what you’ll find in the stew served at the Best Food Resturents in Singapore, ensuring your homemade version tastes delicious and authentic.

How to Make Korean Army Stew: Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Slice the spam, sausages, onions, tofu, and vegetables. Arrange them neatly in a shallow pot or Korean hotpot.

Step 2: Add the Flavour Base

Place kimchi at the center of the pot. Add gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, and garlic on top of the kimchi to create a flavour-packed base.

Step 3: Add Broth

Pour water or anchovy stock into the pot—just enough to cover the ingredients halfway. This helps prevent spillover when the stew starts boiling.

Step 4: Start Cooking

Place the pot on medium-high heat. Once it begins to boil, gently stir the broth to incorporate the seasoning into the liquid.

Step 5: Add Noodles and Cheese

When the stew is bubbling and fragrant, add your instant noodles. Top with a slice of cheese for extra creaminess.

Step 6: Let It Simmer

Allow everything to cook together for a few more minutes until the noodles soften and the flavours deepen.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is cooked, place the pot at the center of the table. Enjoy it hot with rice or on its own.

This simple cooking method is similar to how Korean Army Stew is prepared at many of the Best Food Resturents in Singapore, ensuring your homemade version tastes just as satisfying.

Tips for the Best Korean Army Stew at Home

Use Anchovy Stock for Extra Flavour

While water works fine, anchovy stock enhances the richness of the stew.

Add More Noodles to Make It Filling

One or two extra noodle packs turn this into a great sharing meal.

Balance the Saltiness

Spam, sausages, and cheese are salty, so adjust seasoning slowly.

Don’t Skip the Cheese

A slice of cheese melts and blends beautifully into the broth, making it creamy and comforting.

Mix Ingredients Thoughtfully

Layering ingredients helps every flavour contribute to the final taste—similar to how it's done in the Best Food Resturents in Singapore.

Fun Variations to Try

Korean Army Stew is versatile, so feel free to experiment. Here are popular variations:

Cheesy Budae Jjigae

Add mozzarella or cheddar for a rich, creamy texture.

Seafood Version

Include prawns, squid, or fishcake for a different twist.

Spicy Level Upgrade

Add more gochugaru or sliced chili padi for extra heat—perfect for spice lovers in Singapore.

Ramen-Lovers Version

Add extra noodles and reduce spam for a lighter stew with more broth.

These variations add fun and creativity to your meal—just like what you’ll find at some of the Best Food Resturents in Singapore known for modern Korean cuisine.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with Steamed Rice

Rice helps balance the stew’s rich and spicy flavours.

Pair with Korean Side Dishes

Kimchi, pickled radish, and fishcakes make the meal more satisfying.

Eat It Hot and Fresh

Budae Jjigae tastes best when served bubbling hot straight from the pot.

Why This Dish Is Loved in Singapore

Korean Army Stew matches perfectly with Singaporeans’ love for:

You’ll find it frequently featured in the menus of the Best Food Resturents in Singapore, which shows how well-loved this dish is locally.

Conclusion

Making Korean Army Stew at home is simple, delicious, and incredibly rewarding. With easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you can enjoy this warm, flavourful, and comforting dish anytime. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding family, or craving a hearty meal, Budae Jjigae is always a great choice.

As you explore more Korean dishes—whether cooking at home or dining at the Best Food Resturents in Singapore—you’ll discover just how versatile and enjoyable Korean cuisine can be.


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