Korean Uijeongbu-Style Budae Jjigae
Uijeongbu-style army stew combines luncheon meat, cocktail sausages, well-fermented kimchi, and baked beans in a spicy anchovy-stock broth. Gochujang and Korean chili flakes build the fiery red base, while tofu and onion mellow out the flavors. A block of instant noodles goes in at the end to soak up the broth. Originating from the area near a former US military base, this communal hot-pot dish is designed to be shared straight from the bubbling pot.
Adjust Servings
Instructions
- 1
Slice the luncheon meat, sausages, tofu, and onion; diagonally slice the green onion.
- 2
Layer kimchi and onion in a pot, add gochujang and chili flakes, and stir-fry on low heat for 2 minutes.
- 3
Pour in anchovy stock; once simmering, arrange luncheon meat, sausages, and tofu around the pot.
- 4
Simmer over medium heat for 8 minutes, then add baked beans and green onion and cook 3 more minutes.
- 5
Taste and adjust seasoning with 1-2 tbsp kimchi juice for saltiness and tang.
- 6
Add the noodle block at the end and boil 2-3 minutes until tender, then serve immediately.
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.
Tips
Nutrition (per serving)
More Recipes

Korean Seoul-Style Army Stew
Seoul-style budae jjigae uses a rich anchovy stock base, setting it apart from versions that rely on plain water. Spam, mini sausages, baked beans, and kimchi simmer in the stock with gochujang and chili flakes, while the baked beans lend a subtle sweetness and creamy body to the broth. A block of instant ramen noodles goes in at the end to soak up the spicy, umami-rich soup.

Korean Army Stew (Spam & Ramen Spicy Fusion Pot)
Budae jjigae piles Spam, sausages, instant ramen noodles, rice cakes, tofu, and kimchi into a single pot of spicy gochugaru-and-gochujang broth. Born near U.S. military bases in Uijeongbu after the Korean War, it blends Korean and American pantry staples into a bold, communal stew. Each ingredient contributes a different texture - from the chewy rice cakes to the springy noodles - all unified by the fiery, deeply seasoned stock.

Korean Spicy Fish Stew (Mackerel in Chili-Radish Broth)
Saengseon jjigae is a spicy Korean fish stew made with mackerel or beltfish cut into chunks, simmered alongside daikon radish and zucchini. Gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, and garlic build a bold, peppery broth in an anchovy stock base. The radish neutralizes any fishiness while adding natural sweetness to the soup. Picking the flaky fish off the bone and eating it with spoonfuls of the fiery broth over rice is the traditional way to enjoy it.

Korean Spicy Blue Crab Seafood Stew
This seafood jjigae pulls together blue crab, Manila clams, and shrimp in 1.2L of anchovy-kelp stock for maximum ocean flavor. Each shellfish contributes its own layer of brininess and sweetness, building a deeply complex broth. Radish and zucchini absorb the seafood-infused liquid, while doenjang and gochugaru create a spicy, fermented seasoning base. Topped with Cheongyang chili and green onion, the stew finishes with a clean, lingering aftertaste.

Korean Braised Pork Backbone
Deungppyeo-jjim is pork backbone braised with potato and green onion in a sauce of doenjang, gochugaru, and soy sauce. After a long simmer, the meat and cartilage between the vertebrae pull away from the bone effortlessly. Doenjang lays a deep, fermented base note while chili flakes add a sharp heat on top. The potatoes cook until they are soft enough to break apart with a spoon, melding into the thick broth. Picking the meat from between the bones is part of the appeal, making this a popular dish to share over drinks.

Korean Oyster Soft Tofu Soup
Gul-sundubu-tang is a Korean soup that brings together briny fresh oysters and silky soft tofu in a lightly spicy broth. The flavor base starts with garlic and gochugaru bloomed in sesame oil, which gives the entire pot a warm, aromatic heat. Sliced zucchini and onion go in next, contributing a natural sweetness that tempers the chili. Water is added, and once simmering, spoonfuls of wobbly sundubu tofu are dropped in, followed by the oysters at the very last moment so they stay plump rather than tough. Soup soy sauce adjusts the salt. The finished bowl is rust-red, gently spicy, and layered: the tofu melts on the tongue, the zucchini offers a mild crunch, and the oysters deliver bursts of sea flavor throughout.