Budae Jjigae Part 2

The Appeal of Budae Jjigae

"Budae Jjigae" is one of Korea's representative hot pot dishes, and the secret to its deliciousness lies in the combination of different ingredients and flavors. Below are some key points about its deliciousness.

A Harmony of Diverse Ingredients

Budae Jjigae contains a variety of ingredients, including processed meats like sausage, ham, and bacon, as well as tofu, kimchi, and sometimes cheese or udon noodles. These ingredients harmonize in one pot, creating a rich flavor.

The Depth of Kimchi

The addition of kimchi basically brings a spicy kick and sourness, resulting in a profound flavor. The degree of kimchi's fermentation also alters the taste, making it even more interesting.

Rich Broth

The broth, where the umami from processed meats and the flavor of kimchi melt together, has a deep taste and pairs perfectly with rice or noodles. It's especially ideal for warming the body on a cold day.

Freedom to Customize

When making it at home, you have the freedom to add your favorite ingredients or adjust the spiciness. You can enjoy your own original Budae Jjigae depending on your mood or the ingredients you have on hand.

These characteristics combine to make Budae Jjigae loved by many people and a particularly popular dish in Korean cuisine.

Reunion with a Middle School Friend

A friend from middle school came to visit. We didn't keep in touch during high school, but when I entered university, he was a senior at the same school.

In the military, I enlisted first, and he enlisted later as a junior soldier.

He's just a friend I strangely keep running into everywhere.

How to Make Budae Jjigae

1. Put 5 cups of water, 1 sheet of kelp (10cm square), and 5 dried anchovies into a pot and bring to a boil.

2. Just before boiling, remove only the kelp, then boil for another 5 minutes before removing the dried anchovies.

3. Prepare the anchovy broth, a handful of napa cabbage kimchi, a handful of spam, a handful of sausage, a handful of ground pork, 2 cans of baked beans, enoki mushrooms, 1 slice of cheese, a handful of tteok (rice cakes), ramen noodles, green onions, hot green peppers, and red peppers.

4. For the sauce, use 2 parts chili powder + 1 part light soy sauce + 1 part mirin + 1 part grated garlic + 0.5 parts minced green onion + 0.3 parts ginger powder + pepper.