In this blog you’ll find:
Craving K-Drama Comfort? Let’s Make Army Stew!
Picture this: It’s a chilly evening, your favourite K-drama is cued up—Crash Landing on You, Descendants of the Sun, Vincenzo, or maybe Goblin—and your stomach growls just as the characters dive into a steaming pot of Army Stew Korean (a.k.a. Buddae Jjigae). You want it now. But your pantry? Full of American staples, not Korean deli treasures.
Don’t worry. This Korean Army Stew recipe brings all that spicy, umami-packed comfort with ingredients you already have—like Spam, baked beans, and instant ramen. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a bubbling pot of delicious Korean stew that hits like a warm hug from your bias.
What Is Buddae Jjigae – Korean Army Stew?
Buddae Jjigae (부대찌개) translates to “army base stew.” After the Korean War, locals repurposed surplus U.S. military food—Spam, canned beans, sausages—and blended it with traditional Korean ingredients like kimchi and gochugaru (chili flakes). The result? A delicious Korean stew that’s rich, spicy, sweet, and absolutely unforgettable.
Today, this iconic Korean Army Stew recipe is beloved by everyone from Seoulites to Seoul stans. It’s fusion comfort food at its finest: bold, brash, and deeply satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Army Stew Korean Hack
- 30-Minute Meal: From pantry to pot, you’re eating in less time than it takes to rewatch Run BTS episode 87 or Going Seventeen episode episode 85.
- No Korean Market Needed: All ingredients are easily swappable with American pantry staples.
- Customizable: Add tofu, mushrooms, or swap in veggie broth. This stew bends to your cravings.
- K-Drama Vibes: Eat it straight from the pot, Korean dorm-style, for max authenticity.
Pantry Swaps: Making Korean Army Stew with American Ingredients
Here’s how to recreate that Korean kimchi stew flavour without needing a trip to H-Mart.
1. Spam or Hot Dogs → Korean Sausage
- Why It Works: Spam has a cult following in both Korea and Hawaii—it’s salty, fatty, and deeply nostalgic.
- Optional Upgrade: Pan-fry the Spam slices for crispy edges.
2. Canned Baked Beans → Gochujang Beans
- Flavour Hack: Stir 1 tbsp gochujang (or sriracha) into baked beans for spicy-sweet depth. Bonus: this echoes Korean army base fusion!
3. Instant Ramen → Korean Ramyeon
- Any ramen will do. Use the included seasoning packet if you’re in a hurry—or skip it to control sodium levels.
4. Chicken Broth + Soy Sauce → Anchovy-Kelp Broth Substitute
- Mix 4 cups chicken broth, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp fish sauce for a punch of umami that mimics the real deal.
Step-by-Step Korean Army Stew Recipe
Ingredients:
- ½ can Spam (or 2 all-beef hot dogs), sliced into bite-sized strips
- 1 can baked beans, stirred together with 1 tbsp gochujang (or sriracha) for a quick gochujang beans twist
- 1 cup chopped kimchi, drained slightly (for authentic Korean Kimchi Stew flavor)
- ½ yellow onion, thinly sliced (adds natural sweetness to this Korean stew)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish and fresh onion bite)
- 1 pack instant ramen, seasoning packet reserved or discarded (for easy noodles in your Korean Army Stew recipe)
- 4 cups chicken broth, or sub veggie broth for a lighter Korean Tofu Stew recipe variant
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) to deepen umami
- 1–2 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for that signature Buddae Jjigae heat
Optional add-ins:
- Firm tofu cubes (to transform into a hybrid Korean Tofu Stew)
- Cheese slices (for a gooey fusion twist)
- Button or shiitake mushrooms (for extra depth and texture)
Instructions:
1. Sizzle the Base
Heat 1 tbsp neutral oil (canola or vegetable) in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped kimchi, sliced onion, and Spam. Stir and sauté for 3–4 minutes until the kimchi begins to caramelize and the Spam edges turn golden brown—this layering of flavour is key to a rich Korean Kimchi Stew base.
2. Build the Broth
Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, then add 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1–2 tbsp gochugaru (adjust for spice level). If you saved kimchi juice, pour in a splash for added depth. Bring the pot to a rolling boil to marry those savory, spicy notes—this is your classic Korean stew foundation.
3. Add Beans & Noodles
Stir in your gochujang-spiked baked beans and break the instant ramen block into the broth. Toss gently to separate noodles, then let simmer 5 minutes until the noodles soften perfectly and the beans heat through. This quick-cook method keeps everything tender but not mushy—just the way a Buddae Jjigae should be.
4. Top & Serve
Right before serving, drop in optional tofu cubes or cheese slices, and scatter in mushrooms if using. Simmer 1–2 more minutes to warm add-ins. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions. Invite everyone to dig in straight from the pot for an authentic Army Stew Korean experience—no bowls required!
Pro Tip: For an extra layer of fusion fun, stir in a tablespoon of sesame oil or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds just before serving.
Serving Ideas & Fusion Twists for Your Buddae Jjigae
Classic K-Drama Night Setup
- Rice Cakes (Tteok): Slice and add to the stew or serve on the side for chewy texture.
- Pickled Radish: A sweet-tangy counterpoint to the spicy stew.
- Bubbly Drinks: Soju, sparkling cider, or iced barley tea to wash it all down.
Tex-Mex Army Stew Mashup
- Shredded Cheddar & Tortilla Chips: Sprinkle on top for a taco-inspired crunch and melty cheese pull.
- Avocado Slices: Layer in richness and a cooling contrast.
Vegetarian Korean Stew Variation
- Replace Spam with Firm Tofu: Cut into cubes and sear for texture.
- Use Vegetable Broth + 1 tsp White Miso: Adds depth without animal products.
- Load Up on Veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, and baby bok choy all work beautifully.
Meal-Prep Hero
Pack Noodles Separately: Add fresh ramen or rice noodles when reheating to avoid soggy carbs.
Batch the Broth: Freeze in 2-cup portions for quick weekday dinners.
Nutrition Breakdown (Estimates Per Serving):
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Spice Level: Medium-High (adjust gochugaru to taste)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a vegetarian version of Army Stew?
100%! Replace meat with tofu or tempeh, use vegetable broth, and skip the fish sauce. Try our full Korean Tofu Stew Recipe for more veggie goodness.
What’s the difference between Buddae Jjigae and Korean Kimchi Stew?
Great question! Buddae Jjigae is fusion—Spam, beans, ramen. Korean Kimchi Stew (Kimchi Jjigae) is more traditional, made with fermented kimchi and pork belly. Both are delicious.
Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté your aromatics first, then toss everything in and cook on low for 2–3 hours. It’s perfect for meal prepping cozy Korean stew ahead of time.
Is this gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce, gluten-free ramen, and double-check your Spam brand.
Have additional inquiries?
We are here to help. Let’s engage in a conversation.
Why This Korean Army Stew Recipe Is a Must-Try
If your pantry looks more Midwest than Myeongdong, this Korean Army Stew recipe is for you. It’s fast, flexible, and packed with big K-drama energy. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal—fewer dishes, more time for binge-watching.
From the sweet heat of the gochujang beans to the chewy ramen and melty cheese slices on top, this dish hits every comfort note imaginable. It’s not just dinner. It’s a vibe.
Your Stew, Your Story: Share & Subscribe!
You’ve just unlocked the ultimate Army Stew Korean hack—now it’s time to make it your own. Grab your pot, fire up the stove, and whip up this 30-minute Buddae Jjigae for dinner tonight—no specialty stores, no fuss. Use action-oriented language when you share your creations: “I made this amazing Army Stew!” invites engagement and conversions directly on social media iubenda.
Once it’s bubbling and your kitchen smells like Seoul, plate it up in a deep bowl (or right from the pot) and snap a photo. Then:
- Post your masterpiece on Instagram with a creative caption—emojis encouraged!
- Tag us [@theworldspalette_] and use #theworldspalette so we can find your post. We’ll feature our favourites in Stories and on our feed—your recipe could be the next star of our profile!
Stay in the Loop: Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Love these easy Korean-American fusion dishes? Don’t miss a single new post—join our newsletter and get every recipe dropped straight into your inbox. Subscribe now and stay ahead of your next K-drama–inspired craving
Explore More K-Food Magic
While your quick Korean Army Stew simmers, why not plan your next fandom feast? Check out these BLINK-approved hits:
- BLACKPINK’s 3-Step Korean Tofu Stew with American Ingredients—Jisoo’s fave, simplified!
- BTS Kimchi Fried Rice Hack with sauerkraut & takeout rice—our viral remix recipe.
- Gochujang Dumpling Dip—a spicy side for any stew.
Why Your Tag Matters
When you tag @theworldspalette_ and use #theworldspalette, you’re not just sharing a photo—you’re joining a community of K-food lovers, meal-prep masters, and fandom foodies. Each tag helps us understand what recipes you crave most, shaping future content. Plus, featured creators get a shoutout to thousands of followers—talk about instant bragging rights!
Thank you for cooking with The World’s Palette. Your creativity keeps this flavour journey alive—and we can’t wait to see how you #StirUpSeoul in your own kitchen.
Cook. Snap. Tag. Subscribe. Repeat.
Quick Korean Army Stew (Buddae Jjigae) Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ can Spam or 2 hot dogs, sliced
- 1 can baked beans stirred with 1 tbsp gochujang (or sriracha)
- 1 cup kimchi chopped
- ½ onion thinly sliced
- 2 green onions chopped (for garnish)
- 1 pack instant ramen seasoning packet optional
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1–2 tbsp gochugaru Korean chili flakes
- Optional add-ins: firm tofu cubes cheese slices, button or shiitake mushrooms
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
Sizzle the Base
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté kimchi, sliced onion, and Spam for 3–4 minutes until the kimchi caramelizes and Spam edges brown.
Build the Broth
- Pour in chicken broth, then stir in soy sauce, gochugaru, and a splash of kimchi juice if available. Bring to a rolling boil.
Add Beans & Noodles
- Stir in the gochujang-spiked baked beans and broken-in-half ramen noodles. Simmer 5 minutes until noodles are tender.
Top & Serve
- Gently nestle tofu cubes, cheese slices, or mushrooms on top. Simmer 1–2 more minutes to warm add-ins. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust gochugaru or sriracha to taste.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and tofu instead of Spam.
- Make-Ahead: Prep components separately and assemble just before serving.
- Storage: Keeps in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid over-softening noodles.
