
Super Simple Tuna Kimchi Stew (Chamchi Kimchi Jjigae)
Super Simple Tuna Kimchi Stew (Chamchi Kimchi Jjigae)
How to Make Delicious Tuna Kimchi Stew
A heartwarming and incredibly easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a cold winter day. This tuna kimchi stew is a true ‘rice thief’ – guaranteed to make you crave extra servings of rice!
Main Ingredients- 1 bowl ripe kimchi (approx. 200g), chopped
- 1 can kimchi stew tuna (or 1 can tuna, drained)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
My absolute favorite dish: Kimchi Stew! Honestly, I don’t need any other side dishes when I have a steaming bowl of kimchi stew. First, let’s get our kimchi ready. If you’re using canned tuna, drain most of the oil. For a deeper broth flavor, using rice water (the water used to rinse rice) is highly recommended.
Step 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a pot or earthenware pot (ttukbaegi) over medium heat. Add the chopped kimchi and stir-fry until it becomes fragrant and slightly translucent, with a vibrant color. This process helps to remove any raw kimchi smell and enhance its savory flavor. Once the kimchi is well-fried, pour in 3 cups of water or rice water. Then, add the prepared tuna. Draining some of the oil from the tuna beforehand will result in a cleaner taste.
Step 3
While the stew is already delicious with just kimchi and tuna, you can elevate the flavor further with optional ingredients. If you like a spicier kick, add 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic and 1/2 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to taste. Feel free to experiment with other additions to create your perfect, personalized kimchi stew!
Step 4
Bring the stew to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. As the broth slightly reduces, the ingredients will infuse into it, creating a rich and satisfying stew. For a final touch, garnish with chopped chili peppers or green onions to make it visually appealing. This super simple yet incredibly flavorful tuna kimchi stew is now ready to be enjoyed with a hot bowl of rice!

