Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)

• For the Broth
  1.5–2 litres water
  200–400g pork belly
  Handful dried anchovies (heads removed)
  1 piece dried kelp
  2–3 dried shiitake mushrooms
   
  For the Stew
  2–3 slices spam
  2 sausages
  Handful kimchi
  ½ onion, sliced
  Handful cabbage
  1 block silken tofu
  Korean rice cakes (tteok)
  Instant ramen noodles
  Spring onions (for garnish)
   
  The Chilli Paste
  6 garlic cloves, minced
  1 teaspoon light soy sauce
  1 tablespoon sugar
  2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean chilli flakes)
  1 tablespoon gochujang
  2 tablespoons water

PREPARATION

1. Place pork belly into a pot with water and bring to the boil, skimming off any impurities that rise to the surface.
2. Add anchovies (heads removed), kelp and dried shiitake mushrooms, then simmer for 20–30 minutes to develop the broth.
3. Strain the broth into a clean pot, reserving some pork belly for later use.

COOKING

1. In a bowl, mix garlic, soy sauce, sugar, gochugaru, gochujang and water until smooth to form the chilli paste.
2. Add a couple of ladles of broth into the paste and mix to loosen it, then pour the mixture back into the pot.
3. Bring the broth to a boil and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed.
4. Add sliced onions, cabbage and some of the cooked pork belly into the broth.
5. Arrange tofu, spam, sausages, rice cakes and kimchi neatly on top.
6. Bring everything to a boil and simmer briefly to combine flavours.
7. Add instant noodles just before serving and cook for 2–3 minutes until tender.
8. Garnish with spring onions and serve immediately while bubbling hot.

School of Wok Tips

• Remove anchovy heads to avoid bitterness in the broth.
• Add noodles last to keep them springy, not soggy.
• Layer ingredients neatly for a traditional presentation.
• Adjust spice by reducing or increasing gochugaru.

FAQs

Why is it called Army Stew?
It originated after the Korean War using surplus processed foods like spam and sausages.

Can I make it less spicy?
Yes, reduce the amount of gochugaru and gochujang.

What noodles should I use?
Korean instant ramen is traditional, but any noodles will work.