Welcome back to Chelsea's K-Food Recipes! Today, we’re making a comforting and hearty dish, Tuna Kimchi Stew (참치 김치찌개, Chamchi Kimchi Jjigae). This quick and easy stew combines tangy, fermented kimchi with canned tuna for a rich, savory flavor. It's a staple in Korean households, perfect for a cold day or when you want something filling and flavorful. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of aged kimchi (preferably sour)
- 1 can of tuna (preferably in oil, drained)
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cups water or anchovy broth
- 1 block of tofu (optional, cut into bite-sized cubes)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Kimchi and Tuna
- If your kimchi is too long, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Aged, sour kimchi is best for this stew as it adds a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Drain the canned tuna, reserving a little oil if desired for extra flavor.
2. Sauté the Kimchi and Onion
- In a medium pot, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and kimchi. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until the kimchi softens and the flavors start to meld.
- If you want a spicier stew, sprinkle in the gochugaru at this stage.
3. Add Broth and Tuna
- Pour in 2 cups of water or anchovy broth (for extra depth of flavor).
- Add the drained tuna into the pot, gently breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Season with soy sauce, and let the stew simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add Tofu and Green Onions
- If you're using tofu, carefully add it to the pot and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped green onions and give the stew a final stir.
5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you want it more savory, add a dash more soy sauce.
- Serve the Tuna Kimchi Stew hot, with a bowl of steamed White Rice (흰쌀밥, Heen Ssal Bap) on the side.
Tips for Perfect Tuna Kimchi Jjigae:
- The older the kimchi, the better! Sour kimchi gives the stew its characteristic tangy flavor.
- If you prefer a richer broth, you can add a little bit of the oil from the tuna can to the stew.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra texture.
Tuna Kimchi Jjigae is the ultimate comfort food, combining the bold flavors of kimchi with the convenience of canned tuna. It’s a simple, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend lunch.
Thank you for visiting Chelsea's K-Food Recipes—stay tuned for more delicious Korean dishes!