Tuna Can Stew: A Savory & Sweet Korean Classic
Transform Your Canned Tuna into a Delicious Side Dish
I recently bought two cans of tuna, and with no side dishes readily available, I decided to whip up a delicious tuna stew. Canned tuna is the ultimate pantry staple! Because it’s shelf-stable, you can stock up and effortlessly create a satisfying side dish whenever you need one. This savory and slightly sweet braised tuna is perfect served over steamed rice.
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans tuna (150g each)
- 1/2 onion
- 1/4 carrot
- A small bunch of green onions
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables that will add flavor and texture to your tuna stew. Peel and wash the onion, then slice it into thin strips about 0.5 cm thick. Peel the carrot and julienne it to a similar thickness. Cut the green onions into 3-4 cm lengths. These vegetables will soften as they cook, releasing a natural sweetness and enhancing the overall aroma of the dish.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning sauce! In a Korean earthenware pot (ttukbaegi) or a regular pot, add 6-7 tablespoons of soy sauce (or soup soy sauce). You’ll want enough liquid to partially cover the vegetables. Stir in 2 tablespoons of corn syrup for sweetness, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for nutty aroma, 2 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for a mild kick, and a pinch of black pepper to finish. Using corn syrup instead of sugar will give the stew a beautiful glossy sheen.
Step 3
Tuna stew is best when simmered in a ttukbaegi! (If you’re using a smaller pot, please adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.) Carefully drain the oil from the tuna cans, trying not to break up the tuna chunks too much. Canned tuna is a fantastic pantry item for quick and easy meals.
Step 4
Place the prepared tuna at the bottom of the pot. Then, arrange the sliced onions, carrots, and green onions attractively on top of the tuna. Pour the prepared seasoning sauce evenly over everything. Gently mix the ingredients with a spatula or spoon, being careful not to mash the tuna, ensuring the sauce coats all the pieces.
Step 5
Cover the pot with a lid and simmer over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Occasionally, lift the lid to check the consistency of the sauce and stir gently to prevent sticking. Once the vegetables are soft and the tuna has absorbed the flavors, your delicious tuna stew is ready! Serve it hot over steamed rice – it’s a true rice-lover’s delight!
