Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 slices of bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of Spam, sliced
- 1 can of baked beans
- 1 can of sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup of kimchi, chopped
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the sliced Spam and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
4. Add the baked beans, sliced mushrooms, and chopped kimchi to the pot and stir to combine.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Pour the mixture into the pot and stir to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the flavors have melded together.
7. Add the cooked bacon back into the pot and stir to combine.
8. Serve the bacon budae jjigae hot, garnished with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for cooking bacon, onion, and garlic
- Low heat for simmering the stew
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Bacon: Can be substituted with any other type of pork or beef
- Spam: Can be substituted with sliced hot dogs or sausages
- Baked beans: Can be substituted with any type of canned beans
- Kimchi: Can be substituted with sauerkraut or pickled vegetables
- Chicken broth: Can be substituted with vegetable broth or water
- Gochujang: Can be substituted with any type of chili paste or hot sauce
Variations:
- Add tofu or sliced beef for extra protein
- Use different types of canned beans or vegetables for variety
- Add rice cakes or ramen noodles for a heartier meal
Tips and tricks:
- Use a non-stick pot or Dutch oven to prevent sticking
- Adjust the amount of gochujang and soy sauce to your desired level of spiciness and saltiness
- Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the bacon budae jjigae in a pot over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the bacon budae jjigae in individual bowls, garnished with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro.
Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions and chopped cilantro
Pairings:
- Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread
Suggested side dishes:
- Korean-style pickled vegetables
- Steamed or stir-fried vegetables
- Kimchi fried rice
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the stew is too thick, add more chicken broth or water to thin it out.
- If the stew is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the bacon and Spam thoroughly before adding them to the stew.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before consuming.
Food history:
- Bacon budae jjigae, also known as army stew, originated in South Korea after the Korean War when food was scarce. American soldiers stationed in Korea would share their rations with the locals, and the Koreans would use the ingredients to make a hearty stew.
Flavor profiles:
- Spicy, savory, and slightly sweet
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the bacon budae jjigae as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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Region: Korean