If there’s one dish that captures both the pain and resilience of modern Korean history, it’s budae jjigae, also known as army base stew. What began as a dish born out of scarcity after the Korean War has evolved into one of Korea’s most beloved comfort foods, an iconic dish that’s spicy, hearty, and irresistibly nostalgic.
The History Behind Budae Jjigae
The name budae jjigae literally means “army base stew.” After the Korean War in the 1950s, food was incredibly scarce, and many people struggled to find enough to eat. Koreans began gathering American army supplies smuggled out of military bases (things like Spam, hot dogs, canned baked beans), items that were completely unfamiliar at the time.
Locals combined these surplus goods with traditional Korean flavors such as kimchi, gochugaru (red pepper flakes), and garlic, creating a stew that was both resourceful and deeply comforting.
Over the years, budae jjigae transformed from a symbol of survival into one of Korea’s favorite communal dishes: a bubbling pot that represents resilience and creativity in the face of hardship. The name still serves as a reminder of the country’s heartbreaking history, but today it’s also a celebration of how Korea turned adversity into something delicious and uniquely its own.
Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Base Stew)
Ingredients
Main ingredients
Broth seasoning paste
Instructions
-
Prep the ingredients
Slice the luncheon meat and tofu into flat squares. Cut the sausage into bite-sized pieces, and thinly slice the onion and scallion.
-
Assemble the stew
In a wide, shallow pot, neatly arrange the luncheon meat, sausage, tofu, minced pork, baked beans, onion, scallion, and kimchi. Add the broth seasoning paste in the center.
-
Add the stock and simmer
Pour in the beef bone stock (or chicken broth) and bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Optional additions
If using instant noodles, cook them directly in the stew. Top with a slice of American cheese right before serving for a creamy, rich finish.
