How to Make the Perfect Budae Jjigae
Korean · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
Budae Jjigae is a hearty Korean fusion stew loaded with sausage, ramen noodles, and cheese making it an incredibly kid friendly meal that children get excited about. Parents love this one pot wonder because it is endlessly customizable and uses pantry staples that most families already have at home.
Why this recipe works
This Budae Jjigae recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 510 calories with 24g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 200 g sausage sliced
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles
- 100 g canned baked beans
- 1 cup kimchi chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 slices American cheese
- 1 tbsp gochujang
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Arrange the Pot
Arrange sausage slices, kimchi, and baked beans in sections around a wide shallow pot. Add gochujang in the center and pour broth over everything.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil
Place the pot over medium high heat and bring the broth to a rolling boil. Do not stir yet as the separate ingredients will combine naturally once the liquid heats up.
Step 3: Add the Noodles
Add the ramen noodles to the boiling broth and push them down to submerge. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes stirring occasionally until noodles are just tender and broth is flavorful.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Serve
Lay cheese slices on top of the stew and cover with a lid for 1 minute until melted. Serve directly from the pot in the center of the table for a fun family sharing experience.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- gochujang → reduce or omit entirely for a completely mild version kids who dislike spice will enjoy
- sausage → spam or hot dogs which are traditional and equally popular in this dish
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding too much gochujang making the stew too spicy for young children to enjoy
- Overcooking the ramen noodles until mushy by adding them too early in the cooking process
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 510 calories, 24g protein, 48g carbs, 22g fat, 4g fiber.
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