Recreating the Perfect Restaurant-Style Army Stew at Home

Budae Jjigae, or Korean Army Stew, is a representative Korean stew beloved by people of all ages. The combination of a deep, savory broth, salty ham and sausage, and spicy kimchi is truly irresistible, making you empty a bowl of rice in no time. However, when trying to recreate the taste of famous franchise restaurants at home, it often feels like something is missing. Making or buying heavy packs of beef bone broth just for the stew base can also be quite a hassle. The recipe introduced today is an ultra-simple secret to perfectly recreating that famous restaurant taste without needing beef bone broth or complicated ingredients. The core of this secret lies in a commercially available 'Sari Gomtang (Beef Bone Soup) Ramen Seasoning Powder'. Without needing to boil beef bones for hours, this single packet of powder will magically explode with deep, savory umami flavors. Let's dive into the details of this golden recipe for an incredibly simple yet perfect Budae Jjigae.

Why This Recipe is the Ultimate Secret

Typically, the deep flavor of Budae Jjigae comes from high-quality beef bone broth. However, keeping beef bone broth always stocked is not easy for single households or busy workers. This recipe uses the powder seasoning from Sari Gomtang ramen to simultaneously bring out the rich flavor of beef bones and the perfect level of savory umami. The concentrated taste of the powder creates a solid base for the stew, and with the addition of plenty of minced garlic and red pepper flakes, it transforms into the spicy and savory flavor that Koreans love. The biggest advantage of this recipe is that it delivers an excellent taste without needing baked beans or complicated aging processes for the seasoning paste.

Ingredients Needed (For 3 Servings, Under 30 Minutes)

This recipe is also great for clearing out the fridge. Feel free to add mushrooms, tofu, or glass noodles according to your preference.

Main Ingredients

  • Canned Ham (Spam, etc.) 200g: The core ingredient that provides the unique rich and savory taste of Army Stew.
  • Vienna Sausages & Regular Ham 300g: Adds texture and richness. Using Kentucky ham elevates both the visual and the taste.
  • Green Onion 1 stalk: Sliced generously for a refreshing broth flavor.
  • Onion 1/2: Adds a subtle sweetness.
  • Well-fermented Kimchi 1/3 bowl (approx. 70g): Do not add too much, or it will turn into Kimchi Stew instead.
  • Minced Pork 50g: Adds texture and meat broth flavor. Thinly sliced pork belly or beef brisket are excellent substitutes.

The Secret Seasoning Paste Ingredients

  • Sari Gomtang Ramen Seasoning Powder 1 packet: The MVP of this recipe, replacing the beef bone broth.
  • Minced Garlic 3 tablespoons: You need a surprisingly large amount of garlic to achieve that authentic restaurant taste.
  • Red Pepper Flakes 2.5 to 3 tablespoons: Adjust according to your preferred spice level.
  • Anchovy Fish Sauce 1 tablespoon: The hidden secret that elevates the umami of the broth to the next level.
  • Soup Soy Sauce 1 tablespoon: Balances the overall seasoning and adds a deep aroma.
  • Black Pepper: A few dashes (about 4 shakes) for a peppery kick.
  • Water 700ml - 750ml: Bottled water to serve as the broth.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepping Ingredients and Arranging the Pot

First, slice the canned ham thickly, and score the Vienna sausages. Cut the regular ham into bite-sized pieces. Slice the green onion diagonally and julienne the onion. In a wide-shallow pot or hot pot, arrange the sliced ham and sausages in a circle along the edges. Place the sliced onions, green onions, and chopped kimchi in the empty space in the center. Top it off with the minced pork (or sliced pork belly) to enhance the visual appeal.

2. Making the Secret Seasoning Paste

In a separate bowl, prepare the seasoning paste. Empty the entire packet of Sari Gomtang ramen seasoning powder. Add a heaping 3 tablespoons of minced garlic. It might seem like a lot of garlic, but it's absolutely necessary to balance the richness of the stew and create a deep flavor. Next, add 2.5 tablespoons of red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon of soup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of anchovy fish sauce, and a few dashes of black pepper. Mix these ingredients well to create a thick paste.

3. Adding the Paste and Water

Carefully place the prepared secret seasoning paste in the center of the beautifully arranged ingredients. Then, gently pour 700ml to 750ml of water around the edges of the pot. It's recommended to start with 700ml to avoid making the broth too bland. You can always add more water later if it tastes too salty after boiling. (If you happen to have a pack of beef bone broth at home, using it instead of water and reducing the ramen powder slightly will also yield excellent results.)

4. Boiling to Perfection

Turn on the stove to high heat. Once the broth starts to boil, gently stir with a ladle or spoon to dissolve the seasoning paste into the water. Let it boil vigorously over medium heat for about 5 to 10 minutes so that the minced pork is fully cooked and the flavors of the ham and kimchi infuse perfectly into the broth. Taste the broth, and if you like, add ramen noodles or a slice of cheddar cheese to complete your perfect Budae Jjigae.

Special Tips for an Even Better Dish

  • Storing Canned Ham: Leftover canned ham can oxidize if stored in its original can. Always transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
  • Reducing Saltiness in Ham and Sausages: If you are concerned about additives or saltiness, briefly blanch them in boiling water for about 1 minute before cooking. This makes the dish much cleaner and healthier.
  • The Magic of Fish Sauce: Adding a tablespoon of anchovy or sand lance fish sauce to stews brings a profound umami that regular seasonings cannot match. Don't worry about the fishy smell; it completely evaporates while boiling.

Conclusion

Due to the minced pork and generous amount of garlic, the broth might look a bit thick, but one taste will surprise you with its deep and robust flavor. Boasting a perfect balance that rivals any famous Army Stew restaurant, this recipe will surely make your dinner table spectacular. Experience the amazing miracle created by a single packet of Sari Gomtang powder. We hope you enjoy a hearty and delicious meal with this addictive Budae Jjigae that will easily make you finish two bowls of rice! Enjoy your meal!