The Ultimate Rice Thief! Perfect Tuna Ssamjang Recipe

If you are wondering what to cook today or trying to clear out your pantry, one simple can of tuna is all you need to create a fantastic all-purpose side dish. It is called 'Tuna Ssamjang'. While regular Korean BBQ Ssamjang can be quite salty, this Baek Jong-won style Tuna Ssamjang minimizes the saltiness and maximizes the umami flavor. It's so delicious and well-balanced that you can generously scoop it over your food without worrying about it being overly salty.

Why Everyone Loves Tuna Ssamjang

The biggest advantage of this recipe is its incredible simplicity and speed. It has a beginner-friendly difficulty level that anyone can follow, and it takes only 15 minutes from prepping the ingredients to cooking. Also, if you make a large batch over the weekend, it serves as a reliable and hearty side dish throughout the week. Even without meat, the tuna provides a rich, meaty texture, while the sweet and spicy flavor instantly stimulates your appetite.

Ingredients (For 4 Servings)

Fresh ingredients and the perfect ratio are the keys to the taste. You can easily use leftover vegetables in your fridge.

Basic Ingredients

  • 1 Can of Tuna (Medium size, approx. 150g)
  • 1/2 Onion
  • 1/2 Green Onion
  • 2 Cheongyang Chili Peppers (Add more if you love spice, or omit for children)
  • 1.5 Cups of Water

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp Doenjang (Korean Soybean Paste)
  • 1 tbsp Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste)
  • 1 tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes)
  • 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
  • 1 tbsp Sugar (Adjust to 1/2 tbsp if you prefer it less sweet)
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
  • A pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Let's make this flavor-packed Tuna Ssamjang. We will explain each step in detail to prevent any minor mistakes during the cooking process.

1. Finely Chop the Vegetables

The first step is preparing the vegetables. Finely chop half an onion, half a green onion, and the two chili peppers. Since Ssamjang is usually mixed with rice or eaten in a wrap, large vegetable chunks can ruin the smooth texture. Chop them into tiny pieces under 0.5cm.

2. Sauté with Tuna Oil (Crucial Tip!)

Preheat a frying pan over low heat. Here comes the most important tip! Instead of regular cooking oil, squeeze the oil directly from the tuna can into the pan. This tuna oil holds a tremendous amount of savory flavor and acts as a fantastic base. Add the chopped onion, green onion, and chili peppers into the oil. Sauté gently until the vegetables soften and release a sweet aroma.

3. Add the Golden Ratio Sauce

Once the vegetables become translucent, it is time to season. Add 1 tbsp of Doenjang, 1 tbsp of Gochujang, 1 tbsp of Gochugaru, and 1 tbsp of minced garlic into the pan. Mix lightly. Using a 1:1 ratio of Doenjang and Gochujang is the secret to balancing the salty, savory, and spicy flavors. Pour in 1.5 cups of water. It might seem like a lot of liquid at first, but it will reduce perfectly. Turn the heat to medium and let it boil.

4. Balance with Sugar

When the mixture starts boiling, add 1 tbsp of sugar. Sugar plays a brilliant role in rounding out the strong salty and earthy notes of the soybean and chili pastes. Do not skip this step as it perfectly balances the overall taste profile.

5. Add Tuna and Simmer

Now, add the star of the dish: the tuna flakes. Stir well. Once the tuna is in, the mixture will thicken quickly and can stick to the bottom of the pan, so lower the heat to medium-low. Stir slowly with a wooden spoon and simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes until the moisture evaporates and it reaches the thick, rich consistency of a dipping sauce.

6. Finish with Sesame Oil and Seeds

Once you reach the desired consistency, turn off the heat immediately. While the pan is still hot, drizzle 1 tbsp of sesame oil and sprinkle a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds. Sesame oil loses its aroma when boiled, so it must always be added at the very end with the heat off. Mix well, and your glossy, aromatic Tuna Ssamjang is ready!

How to Enjoy Tuna Ssamjang

  • With Fresh Lettuce Wraps: It pairs perfectly with any leafy greens like lettuce, perilla leaves, or steamed cabbage. Place a large scoop on your rice and wrap it up for a healthy and satisfying meal.
  • Savory Bibimbap: Top a bowl of warm rice with a fried egg and two tablespoons of this Tuna Ssamjang. Mix it all together for a complete, mouth-watering meal.
  • Rice Ball Filling: Mix the Ssamjang into rice with some crushed seaweed to make delicious rice balls. They are perfect for kids' snacks or a picnic lunch box.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover Tuna Ssamjang in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator once it has completely cooled down. It is best consumed within 7 days. You can eat it cold, but microwaving it for about 30 seconds before eating will bring back its freshly cooked, deep flavor!