Budae Jjigae – Korean-American stew

Budae Jjigae – Korean-American stew is a medium Korean recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by THE YELLOW RICE on YouTube.

Prep: 14 min | Cook: 27 min | Total: 51 min

Cost: $14.60 total, $3.65 per serving

Ingredients

  • 200 g Spam (canned ham) (One 340 g can, cut into 6 mm thick slices)
  • 400 g Canned white beans in tomato sauce (One 400 g jar, drain before use)
  • 2 pcs Strasbourg sausages (Slice on bias, about 6 mm thick)
  • 100 g Kimchi (Coarsely chop)
  • 200 g Firm tofu (Cut into 6 mm thick slices)
  • 85 g Instant noodles (ramen) (One package, cook separately then drain)
  • 2 pcs Cheddar cheese slices (Add at the end of simmering)
  • 2 c. à soupe Gochujang (Korean chili paste) (Thick paste, adjust to taste)
  • 2 c. à soupe Soy sauce (Preferably gluten‑free if needed)
  • 1 c. à soupe White sugar
  • 550 ml Chicken broth (About 55 cl, can be homemade or from a cube)
  • 2 stalks Scallion (green onion) (Cut into thin rounds)
  • 1 pcs Onion (Finely sliced)
  • 1 pcs Garlic clove (Finely chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the aromatics

    Finely chop the garlic clove, thinly slice the onion and cut the scallion into rounds.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Open and slice the Spam

    Open the Spam can by creating a small opening at the back with a can opener, then cut the Spam into slices about 6 mm thick.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Slice the tofu

    Drain the firm tofu, place it on the board and cut into 6 mm thick slices.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Slice the sausages

    Slice the Strasbourg sausages on bias, into pieces about 6 mm thick.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Prepare the spicy sauce

    In a bowl, mix the sugar, gochujang and soy sauce until a homogeneous paste forms.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Cook the instant noodles

    Bring a pot of water to a boil (100°C), add the instant noodles and cook 10‑15 minutes. Drain in a colander.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 100°C

  7. Arrange the ingredients in the pan

    In a 28 cm pan, spread the sliced onion on the bottom, then add the cooked noodles, Spam slices, tofu, sausages, kimchi, white beans in tomato sauce and finally the scallion rounds.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Add the broth and sauce

    Pour the chicken broth (≈55 cl) then the prepared gochujang‑soy sauce over the ingredients.

    Time: PT1M

  9. Simmer the stew

    Bring everything to a boil, reduce heat to minimum, cover the pan and let simmer for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 100°C

  10. Finishing

    After cooking, drizzle the parts not fully submerged with a little extra broth, place the cheddar slices on top and sprinkle with scallion.

    Time: PT2M

  11. Serving

    Serve immediately, each diner serving directly from the pan or into their bowl.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
460
Protein
22 g
Carbohydrates
48 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Non-vegetarian, Contains pork, Contains gluten, Contains dairy products, high-fiber

Allergens: Soy, Gluten, Milk

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Budae Jjigae – Korean-American stew

Recipe by THE YELLOW RICE

A comforting Korean stew inspired by American army cuisine during the Korean War. It combines Spam, sausages, kimchi, tofu, white beans in tomato sauce and instant noodles, all flavored with a slightly sweet gochujang sauce. Perfect to share with friends or family.

MediumKoreanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
16m
Prep
27m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
53m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.60
Total cost
$3.65
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Open the Spam can without deforming it to ease slicing.
  • Cook the noodles just enough to keep them firm.
  • Simmer the stew on low heat, covered, for exactly 10 minutes.

Safety Warnings

  • Be careful of boiling water splashes when cooking the noodles.
  • Use a sharp knife to avoid cuts.
  • Ensure the Spam and sausages are hot before eating.

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