Master Tuna Ssamjang (Rice Cooker Recipe)
Easy and Quick Homemade Side Dish: Canned Tuna Ssamjang Made in a Rice Cooker
This is a delicious tuna ssamjang recipe, made easily in a rice cooker, based on Baek Jong-won’s popular cooking show. Its savory and rich umami flavor is perfect for enjoying with rice and fresh leafy greens. This fantastic side dish, which is sure to become a rice-stealer, can be made simply at home!
Main Ingredients- 80g onion (about 1/4 medium onion)
- 2 handfuls chopped green onion (about 40g)
- 40g canned tuna oil (from a 100g can of tuna)
- 100g canned tuna (drained)
- 1 Cheongyang pepper (optional, for spicy kick)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, pour 40g of the oil from the canned tuna into the inner pot of your rice cooker. (If you’re using a 100g can, you can use about half of the oil. If there’s less oil, you can omit it and add a bit more water.)
Step 2
Add the prepared ingredients to the rice cooker pot with the oil. Include 80g of finely chopped onion, 2 handfuls of chopped green onion (about 40g), and 1 Cheongyang pepper, deseeded and finely chopped. (You can omit the Cheongyang pepper if you prefer less spice.)
Step 3
Close the rice cooker lid and select the ‘Cook’ or ‘Heat’ function for 9 minutes. This step helps the ingredients meld together, slightly softens the vegetables, and brings out their natural sweetness.
Step 4
After 9 minutes, open the rice cooker and add all the seasoning ingredients. Mix in 50ml of water, 2 Tbsp Doenjang, 2 Tbsp Gochujang, 1 Tbsp Gochugaru, 0.5 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp minced garlic (or garlic powder), and 1 Tbsp sesame oil.
Step 5
Using a spatula or spoon, gently stir to dissolve the Doenjang and Gochujang until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. It’s important to mix thoroughly so they blend well with the water.
Step 6
Once the Doenjang and Gochujang are fully dissolved, add the 100g of drained canned tuna. Instead of mixing immediately, gently break up the tuna with the back of your spoon before combining it with the other ingredients. This method helps maintain some texture in the tuna rather than making it completely mushy.
Step 7
Ensure all ingredients are well combined, then close the rice cooker lid again and select ‘Cook’ or ‘Heat’ for another 9 minutes. This second cooking cycle allows the flavors to deepen and harmonize beautifully.
Step 8
Once cooking is complete, remove the ssamjang from the rice cooker and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Serve this delicious ssamjang with fresh leafy greens and a bowl of warm rice for a satisfying homemade meal. Make a generous batch to enjoy as a versatile side dish!
