Tuna Ssamjang (Korean Fermented Soybean Paste with Tuna)
#HomeCookingBaek #TunaSsamjang #CabbageWraps #EasyCabbageSteaming #SsambapLunchBox
Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade tuna ssamjang served over warm rice! With canned tuna and a few seasonings readily available at home, you can create a wonderful home-cooked meal. I’ll also share a super easy method for steaming cabbage using a microwave, without the hassle of a steamer. Arrange the ssam-bap, resembling blooming flowers of cabbage and lettuce, for a delightful meal or a special dining experience.
Hearty Tuna Ssamjang Ingredients
- 1 can Tuna (drained)
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Green Onion (chopped)
- 1/2 Onion (finely diced)
- 2 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Cheongyang Pepper (seeds removed, finely chopped)
- 1 Red Chili Pepper (seeds removed, finely chopped)
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Powder (for a nutty flavor)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
Fresh Wrap Ingredients & Rice
- 2 bowls Cooked Rice (warm)
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 5 Cabbage Leaves (for wraps)
- 10 Lettuce Leaves (washed)
- 2 bowls Cooked Rice (warm)
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 5 Cabbage Leaves (for wraps)
- 10 Lettuce Leaves (washed)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, here’s a magical way to steam cabbage easily and make it incredibly tender! We’ll use the microwave. Separate the cabbage leaves into individual portions, wash them thoroughly, and place them in a bowl. Add water to cover about half the depth of the bowl.
Step 2
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and poke 2-3 holes with a chopstick or fork. This allows steam to escape and cooks the cabbage evenly. Microwave for about 1 minute. Carefully remove the plastic wrap and let it sit for a moment; the cabbage will become wonderfully tender, just as if it were steamed in a steamer.
Step 3
Now that the cabbage is perfectly steamed, let’s get started on the star of the show: the tuna ssamjang! Prepare a small pot or saucepan and add the chopped green onions and minced garlic. Sautéing them briefly will release their aromas and enrich the flavor of the ssamjang.
Step 4
Next, add the finely diced onion for a natural sweetness and depth of flavor. If you enjoy a spicier kick, finely chop the Cheongyang pepper and red chili pepper (after removing seeds) and add them as well. The colorful peppers will make the dish visually appealing.
Step 5
Before sautéing, add a little water to the pot. It’s crucial to thoroughly drain the oil from the canned tuna beforehand; this ensures the ssamjang has a clean, non-greasy taste. Properly draining the tuna is another key tip for delicious tuna ssamjang!
Step 6
Now it’s time for seasoning. Use a ratio of 2 tablespoons Doenjang, 1 tablespoon Gochujang, and 1.5 tablespoons Gochugaru as a base. Start by adding the Doenjang and Gochujang, then stir well to dissolve them in the water. Ensure there are no lumps for a smooth consistency.
Step 7
Once the Doenjang and Gochujang are well dissolved, add the Gochugaru and mix. This will add spiciness and a beautiful reddish hue to the ssamjang. Feel free to adjust the amount of Gochugaru to your preference.
Step 8
With all the ingredients mixed, bring the ssamjang to a boil over medium heat. Boiling allows the flavors to meld together, creating a richer taste. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom.
Step 9
Once the ssamjang is boiling vigorously, add the thoroughly drained tuna. Stir gently and let it simmer again. Break up any large clumps of tuna as you stir. The tuna will heat through and meld beautifully with the ssamjang.
Step 10
It’s time to thicken the ssamjang and add a nutty aroma with perilla powder. Add 1 tablespoon of perilla powder; this not only enhances the savory flavor but also naturally thickens the ssamjang to a perfect consistency. If it seems too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 11
Voila! Thanks to the onions, a natural sweetness emerges, making this tuna ssamjang delicious without any added sugar or syrup. Its thick, savory, and nutty flavor is truly exceptional. It’s wonderful for mixing with rice or wrapping in greens!
Step 12
Now, let’s prepare the rice to accompany the ssamjang. Let the warm rice cool down slightly before using it. Very hot rice can cause the wraps to unravel, so be mindful of the temperature.
Step 13
The cabbage we steamed in the microwave is now perfectly tender! Lightly drain any excess water and set aside, ready for wrapping.
Step 14
Wash the fresh lettuce leaves and gently pat them dry. Crisp lettuce will significantly enhance the flavor of your ssam-bap.
Step 15
Just like making kimbap (seaweed rice rolls), season the slightly cooled rice with sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, and salt. Gently mix everything together, ensuring each grain of rice is coated with flavor for a delicious base.
Step 16
Now, let’s make the cabbage wraps. Lay a prepared cabbage leaf flat, place a portion of the seasoned rice in the center, and roll it up tightly like kimbap. Using larger cabbage leaves, especially the outer ones, makes rolling easier and creates a prettier presentation. Slice the rolls into bite-sized pieces, just like kimbap, and your cabbage ssam-bap is complete!
Step 17
Take the remaining seasoned rice and shape it into small, round rice balls, similar to onigiri. Place each rice ball onto a lettuce leaf and gently wrap the lettuce around it to create charming lettuce rice balls. These are a big hit for kids’ lunchboxes!
Step 18
Arrange the beautifully made cabbage ssam-bap in the center of a plate. Then, circle the lettuce rice balls around the cabbage wraps. This creates a visually stunning presentation, resembling blooming lettuce flowers, making your meal more festive.
Step 19
Finally, artfully spoon the homemade tuna ssamjang over the attractively arranged ssam-bap. The generous topping of tuna ssamjang on the vibrant wraps makes the dish even more appetizing. These are perfect for picking up and eating individually, and make an excellent lunchbox meal. Your delightful tuna ssam-bap is ready!
