Budae jjigae is a popular Korean dish that originated during the Korean War. It was created by collecting meats and leftovers from American army bases due to a lack of food sources. The dish is a stew made with unusual ingredients like spam, hot dogs, and American cheese. It is typically served as a hot pot and can be customized with various ingredients. The article provides a recipe for making budae jjigae, as well as tips for making vegetarian and freezer-friendly versions.