Easy Tuna Ssamjang with Perilla Leaves
Easy Tuna Ssamjang with Perilla Leaves
[1-Person Household Essential] The Ultimate Perilla Leaf Wraps Made with a Can of Tuna
Living alone doesn’t mean sacrificing delicious meals! This recipe offers a practical portion size and an incredibly simple method perfect for a single household. Canned tuna is a must-have for anyone living independently, right? We’ve created a tuna ssamjang (spicy dipping sauce) packed with various vegetables and wrapped it deliciously in fragrant perilla leaves. It’s a magical recipe that even students living away from home can easily follow!
Ingredients- 1/2 onion (finely minced)
- 1/2 green onion (chopped)
- 1 Korean chili pepper (seeds removed and finely minced)
- 1 can tuna (drained)
- 2 Tbsp doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- Fresh perilla leaves (as needed)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the fresh vegetables that will add flavor to your perilla leaf wraps. Finely mince the onion and green onion. Remove the seeds from the Korean chili pepper and also mince it finely to add a spicy kick. Mincing them helps the seasonings distribute evenly for a tastier result.
Step 2
Now, let’s start making the tuna ssamjang! Lightly oil a heated frying pan with the oil from the canned tuna. First, sauté the minced green onion until fragrant. Then, add the minced onion and stir-fry until it becomes translucent, bringing out its natural sweetness.
Step 3
While the vegetables are sautéing, let’s prepare the seasoning sauce. In a bowl, combine 2 Tbsp doenjang, 1 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, and 1/2 Tbsp sugar. Mix well until there are no lumps. It’s important to mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 4
Add the prepared seasoning sauce to the frying pan with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in about 100ml of water to prevent the sauce from burning and to allow it to simmer gently with the ingredients. Simmer over medium-low heat for a richer flavor.
Step 5
While the ssamjang is simmering, prepare the fragrant perilla leaves. Wash them thoroughly under running water. Then, lightly blanch them in boiling water or steam them in a steamer. This enhances the leaves’ aroma and softens their texture, making them perfect for wrapping. Be careful not to over-blanch, as they can become mushy!
Step 6
Once the ssamjang has thickened slightly, add the drained tuna and minced Korean chili pepper. Continue to simmer for about 10 more minutes, allowing the tuna, vegetables, and seasoning to meld together completely. Cook until the sauce reaches a thick consistency. Your delicious tuna ssamjang is now ready!
Step 7
Now for the best part! Place a generous spoonful of the prepared tuna ssamjang onto a perilla leaf. You can also add a small portion of rice if you like. Wrap it up and enjoy this wonderful combination of fragrant perilla and savory tuna ssamjang. Enjoy your meal!
