Delicious Tuna Ssam-bap (Rice Wraps)
Delicious Tuna Ssam-bap (Rice Wraps)
Easy and Tasty Tuna Ssam-bap Lunchbox Recipe
Planning a spring outing? Wondering what delicious menu to pack? Here’s a foolproof recipe for Lettuce Ssam-bap lunchboxes that are always a hit! This recipe brings together fresh lettuce and a savory, flavorful tuna ssam-jang (dipping sauce) for a delightful meal.
Ssam-bap Ingredients- 6 fresh lettuce leaves
- 1 bowl of cooked rice
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Tuna Ssam-jang Seasoning- 1 small can of tuna (with oil)
- 1/2 medium onion (finely minced)
- 1 green chili pepper (seeds removed, finely minced)
- 1/2 green onion (chopped)
- 100ml water
- 1 Tbsp doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 red chili pepper (optional, finely minced for color and flavor)
- 1 small can of tuna (with oil)
- 1/2 medium onion (finely minced)
- 1 green chili pepper (seeds removed, finely minced)
- 1/2 green onion (chopped)
- 100ml water
- 1 Tbsp doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 red chili pepper (optional, finely minced for color and flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all the ingredients for the tuna ssam-jang. This recipe is inspired by a popular Korean method, focusing on using the entire small can of tuna, including its oil, for maximum flavor. Finely mince the onion to ensure a smooth sauce texture. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, don’t hesitate to add more green chilies! The resulting ssam-jang is incredibly delicious when wrapped in fresh lettuce.
Step 2
Now, let’s get started on making the ssam-jang! The secret ingredient is the oil from the tuna can – don’t discard it! Pour all the tuna oil into a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped green onion and sauté until fragrant, creating a flavorful ‘green onion oil’. Once the aroma develops, add the minced onion and stir-fry until it becomes translucent and slightly softened.
Step 3
As the onions turn translucent, it’s time to season the sauce. Add 1 tablespoon of doenjang and 1 tablespoon of gochujang. Pour in about 100ml of water to help the pastes dissolve and prevent the sauce from becoming too thick. Stir well to combine everything.
Step 4
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once simmering, stir in 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic for an extra layer of aroma and flavor. It might seem like many ingredients are involved, but trust me, this one ssam-jang can transform simple rice into a satisfying ssam-bap lunchbox in no time!
Step 5
Next, add 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for a vibrant color and a touch of heat, and 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil for that nutty, rich finish. You’ll notice the sauce turning a beautiful, appetizing red. If you prefer it spicier, feel free to add a little more gochugaru to suit your taste.
Step 6
Finally, add the entire contents of the small tuna can, including the oil. Gently mix the tuna into the sauce, trying not to break up the flakes too much. Add the minced green chili peppers now to infuse their spicy flavor throughout. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens to a perfect consistency, ideal for spooning over rice.
Step 7
With the delicious tuna ssam-jang ready, it’s time to assemble the ssam-bap! Wash the lettuce leaves thoroughly under cold running water and pat them dry. Prepare a bowl of warm, freshly cooked rice. While white rice is classic, feel free to use mixed-grain rice for a healthier option. Let the ssam-jang cool slightly while you prepare the rice.
Step 8
Now for the fun part – assembling your ssam-bap! Place a spoonful of warm rice onto a clean lettuce leaf. Top the rice with about a teaspoon of the prepared tuna ssam-jang. Adjust the amount of ssam-jang to your personal preference. Fold the lettuce leaf around the rice and ssam-jang to create a neat wrap. This is your delicious ssam-bap! While making the ssam-jang takes a little time, assembling each wrap takes less than 5 minutes, making it a perfect lunchbox item for any outing!
