The 2 Dollar Stew (Budae Jjigae) | But Cheaper

TL;DR

Learn how to make a budget-friendly and flavorful Korean Army Stew that combines the classic ingredients of college students - American cheese and ramen noodles.

Transcript

josh i'm a college student i can't afford this and make that well that's what this stew is for it has class in history it costs this much and it utilizes the dietary composition of a college student that is but cheaper okay now listen up this isn't just about college students obviously i just wanted to use that as a caveat to the point that it util... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧫 Korean Army Stew is a budget-friendly dish that originated during wartime and utilizes inexpensive ingredients.
• 👻 The dish is versatile and allows for ingredient substitutions based on personal preference or dietary restrictions.
• 🤑 The stew combines flavors from Korean cuisine with influences from college student meals, resulting in a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
• 🧄 The recipe includes a flavorful soup base made with gochujang, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic.
• 👨‍🔬 Rehydrated shiitake mushrooms add umami to the stew, while seared spam and smoked sausage provide a hearty protein.
• 🪜 Sautéed vegetables and kimchi add additional flavor and nutrition to the dish.
• 🧑‍🍳 Instant ramen noodles are cooked in the stew to make it more filling and comforting.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the main ingredients used in Korean Army Stew?

The main ingredients used in Korean Army Stew are spam, smoked sausage, ramen noodles, shiitake mushrooms, kimchi, green onions, and American cheese.

Q: Can I substitute any of the ingredients in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the spam and smoked sausage with other proteins like chicken or tofu. You can also use different types of mushrooms or omit the American cheese if desired.

Q: How long does it take to make Korean Army Stew?

The stew takes about 30 minutes to prepare, including rehydrating the mushrooms and cooking the noodles. It is a fairly quick and easy recipe.

Q: Is Korean Army Stew spicy?

The stew has a slightly spicy flavor due to the gochujang and Korean chili flakes used in the soup base. However, you can adjust the spiciness according to your preference.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Korean Army Stew was created during wartime and uses inexpensive ingredients like spam, hot dogs, ramen, and American cheese.

• The dish is versatile and allows for ingredient substitutions based on preference and budget.

• The recipe includes a flavorful soup base, rehydrated shiitake mushrooms, seared spam and smoked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and instant ramen noodles topped with American cheese.