Korean Army Stew: Budget Recipe Under $2

Discover how to make a hearty Korean Army Stew (Budae Jjigae) on a tight budget, using ingredients like ramen noodles and American cheese. This recipe not only saves money but also delivers rich flavors that satisfy.

Key Takeaway
Learn to prepare a flavorful Korean Army Stew for less than $2 per serving, featuring spam, smoked sausage, and a savory soup base with mushrooms and kimchi.

Ingredients and Cost Breakdown

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need and their approximate costs:

Ingredient	Cost (approx.)
Gochujang	$0.30
White Distilled Vinegar	$0.05
Soy Sauce	$0.05
Shiradashi (optional)	$0.05
Garlic	$0.10
Granulated Sugar	$0.02
Korean Chili Flakes	$0.10
Dried Shiitake Mushrooms	$0.50
Spam	$0.60
Smoked Sausage	$0.50
Green Onions	$0.20
Button Mushrooms	$0.50
Kimchi	$0.75
Instant Ramen Noodles	$0.20
American Cheese	$0.15
Chicken Stock	$0.10
Total Per Serving	$1.97

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare Soup Base

• Combine gochujang, vinegar, soy sauce, shiradashi (if using), minced garlic, sugar, and Korean chili flakes in a bowl to create the base.

2. Rehydrate Shiitake Mushrooms

• Place dried shiitake mushrooms in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak for about 12 minutes until soft, then slice them.

3. Sear Meats

• In a large pot, sear sliced spam and smoked sausage until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.

4. Saute Vegetables

• In the same pot, saute green onions, button mushrooms, and chopped kimchi until softened.

5. Combine Ingredients

• Add the prepared soup base to the pot and stir well. Cook for a few minutes to develop flavors.

6. Add Liquids and Noodles

• Pour in chicken stock and the reserved mushroom soaking liquid. Add instant ramen noodles (without seasoning packets) and cook until noodles are tender.

7. Finish and Serve

• Arrange cooked spam, smoked sausage, and sliced shiitake mushrooms in the pot. Add slices of American cheese on top and cover until melted.
• Garnish with thinly sliced green onions before serving hot.

Why Make This Stew?

This Korean Army Stew recipe is not only affordable but also packed with umami flavors from ingredients like kimchi, spam, and American cheese. It’s a perfect dish for college students or anyone looking to enjoy a comforting meal without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

This budget-friendly Korean Army Stew combines inexpensive pantry staples with classic Korean ingredients to create a satisfying and flavorful soup. It’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand, making it ideal for students and budget-conscious cooks alike.

With this recipe, you can enjoy a taste of Korean cuisine without spending much, all while experiencing the rich history and unique flavors of Budae Jjigae. Give it a try and discover the joy of cooking hearty meals on a budget.

Now, you’re ready to cook up a delicious Korean Army Stew that’s both economical and delicious. Enjoy the savings and the hearty flavors that this dish brings to your table!

With these steps, you have everything you need to create a delicious, budget-friendly Korean Army Stew that will impress your taste buds without emptying your wallet. Bon appétit!