Spicy and Refreshing Tuna Kimchi Stew (Chamchi Kimchi Jjigae)
Spicy and Refreshing Tuna Kimchi Stew (Chamchi Kimchi Jjigae)
Delicious Tuna Kimchi Stew: Quick & Easy!
This recipe is wonderfully simple, requiring only tuna and kimchi! It’s a perfect go-to when you crave a quick and flavorful stew. The rich, deep broth is incredibly satisfying and pairs perfectly with a bowl of rice. Enjoy a delicious, umami-packed stew without needing any special ingredients!
Stew Ingredients- 1 can Tuna (approx. 150g)
- 1/2 head well-fermented Kimchi (approx. 300g), chopped
- Scallion, a small amount (chopped)
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Tuna Extract (or Soy Sauce for soup)
- A pinch of Dasida (MSG-based seasoning) or other umami booster (to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Tuna Extract (or Soy Sauce for soup)
- A pinch of Dasida (MSG-based seasoning) or other umami booster (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start making this delicious Tuna Kimchi Stew! Finely chop half a head of well-fermented kimchi into bite-sized pieces (about 2cm). If your kimchi is very sour, you can add a little sugar.
Step 2
Open the can of tuna and carefully drain out the oil, reserving it. You can use some of the tuna oil for flavor, or drain it all and add a fresh drizzle of cooking oil if you prefer.
Step 3
Add the chopped kimchi to the pot with the reserved tuna oil (or fresh oil) and stir-fry over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir-frying helps the kimchi develop a deeper flavor as it melds with the oil. If the kimchi is too sour, you can extend the stir-frying time to mellow out the acidity.
Step 4
Once the kimchi is softened and fragrant from stir-frying, pour in about 500ml to 600ml of water. You can adjust the amount of water depending on how thick or thin you like your stew.
Step 5
Add 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to give the stew its signature spicy kick.
Step 6
Stir in 2 tablespoons of tuna extract (or soy sauce for soup) to enhance the savory and deep flavors of the stew.
Step 7
Bring the stew to a boil over high heat. Once it starts boiling, skim off any foam that rises to the surface for a cleaner broth. Then, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the kimchi to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 8
After simmering, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a tiny amount of Dasida (or another umami seasoning) if desired. The saltiness of kimchi varies, so tasting and adjusting is key to perfecting the flavor.
Step 9
Once the seasoning is to your liking, add the drained tuna to the stew. Gently stir to incorporate the tuna without breaking it apart too much.
Step 10
Finally, add the chopped scallions and simmer for another 5 minutes. Your delicious Tuna Kimchi Stew is now ready to be served! Enjoy it piping hot with a bowl of rice.
