Classic Korean Tuna Kimchi Stew (참치김치찌개)
A comforting, savory Korean staple made by simmering aged kimchi and canned tuna with aromatic garlic, green onions, and chili peppers into a rich broth.
Tuna kimchi stew is a beloved everyday dish in Korean households, transforming simple pantry staples into a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal. By stir-frying the tuna and well-fermented kimchi together before adding water, the broth develops a rich, savory depth that warms the soul.
Ingredients
- 0.5 head cabbage kimchi
- 1 small can tuna
- 0.5 onion
- 0.5 leek
- 2 green chili peppers
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp white sugar
- to taste clear water
Instructions
- 1Prep and Cut Kimchi
Take half a head of kimchi, remove the root, and cut it into small, manageable pieces on a cutting board using a knife.
Tip: Removing the root first makes it much easier to chop the kimchi evenly. - 2Stir-Fry Tuna
Place one small can of tuna into a pot without any oil and stir-fry it briefly over heat.
Tip: Stir-frying the tuna without oil first helps release its natural flavors. - 3Add Onions
Add the sliced onions into the pot with the tuna and stir briefly to combine the ingredients.
Tip: Stir the onions with the tuna so they begin to absorb the flavors. - 4Cook with Kimchi
Add the chopped kimchi into the pot with the tuna and onions, then stir-fry until the kimchi becomes softened.
Tip: Stir-frying the kimchi well before adding liquid enhances the depth of flavor. - 5Pour Water
Pour an appropriate amount of clear water into the pot containing the stir-fried mixture.
Tip: Use just enough water to cover the ingredients so the stew concentrates its flavor nicely. - 6Simmer Broth
Cover the pot with a lid and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Tip: Simmering allows all the flavors from the kimchi and tuna to meld together into the broth. - 7Season with Chili Powder
Add the chili powder into the simmering stew to impart vibrant color and heat.
Tip: Mix the chili powder well into the broth. - 8Add Leeks
Add the leek slices into the pot and stir them into the simmering mixture.
Tip: Leeks add a sweet and savory depth to the stew. - 9Add Chili Peppers
Add the sliced green chili peppers into the stew for an extra layer of spice.
Tip: Stir the peppers evenly into the broth. - 10Finish with Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the stew, mix well, boil uncovered for 5 minutes, and serve.
Tip: Add garlic towards the end to keep its fresh aroma.
