Tuna Ssamjang: A Savory Korean Dipping Sauce
Diet Starts Tomorrow! Easy Recipe for ‘Tuna Ssamjang’ by Pungja
Hello everyone! This is Kim Jin-ok. Today, I’m sharing a special recipe for ‘Tuna Ssamjang’ that’s loved by many, rumored to be Pungja’s secret recipe! It’s said to be so irresistibly delicious that even while dieting, you can’t help but reach for rice. I was so curious, I had to try making it! Luckily, I had a can of tuna at home and decided to start my diet ‘from tomorrow’ with a brave heart. But oh my! What appeared was a true ‘rice thief’! When wrapped in crisp cabbage leaves, it made me want to eat more and more rice, even though I was trying to be healthy with brown rice. I kept telling myself, ‘Delicious food is zero calories,’ but ended up just eating more rice. Try making this delicious Tuna Ssamjang for a delightful meal!
Ingredients
- 1 can tuna (150g)
- 1/2 onion
- 1/2 green onion (scallion)
- 3 Korean green chili peppers (cheongyang pepper)
- 3 Tbsp soybean paste (doenjang)
- 2 Tbsp red chili paste (gochujang) (generous)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (or corn syrup)
- 3-4 Tbsp water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare one 150g can of tuna. It’s crucial to drain the oil completely by placing the tuna in a sieve. This step reduces greasiness in the ssamjang and highlights the tuna’s natural flavor.
Step 2
Next, let’s prepare the vegetables. Finely mince half an onion. Finely chop three Korean green chili peppers to add a spicy kick (you can adjust the spice level to your preference). Finely chop half a green onion for a fresh aroma.
Step 3
Now it’s time to mix all the ingredients to make the ssamjang. In a bowl, add the drained tuna. Then, add the prepared minced onion, chopped green chilies, and chopped green onion. Stir in 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sesame seeds, and 1 Tbsp sesame oil. For the main seasoning, generously add 3 Tbsp doenjang and 2 Tbsp gochujang. Finally, add 2 Tbsp plum extract (or corn syrup) for sweetness and 3-4 Tbsp water. Mix everything well until evenly combined. The ssamjang might seem a bit thick at first, but the onion will release moisture, making it naturally smoother. (Tip: For a richer texture, you can also add crumbled and sautéed tofu!)
