Name: Korean Home-style Stewed Kimchi Tuna
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 onion (chopped); 3-4 cups kimchi (chopped (about 600-800 g)); 1 Can tuna; 1-2 tsp neutral oil; 1 tbsp gochugaru; 1 tsp dashi powder; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1/2 tbsp sugar; Sesame seeds (garnish); Green onion (chopped, garnish)

This Korean Home-Style Stewed Kimchi Tuna, or Kimchi Tuna Bokkeum is the ultimate pantry home cooking recipe with ingredients you already have. Made with canned tuna, kimchi, onions, and some simple seasonings, this dish is spicy, but packed with so much umami. Who knew a can of tuna can turn into such a flavorful, but comforting dish? Inspired by my latest trip to Korea, this kimchi tuna dish is an easy speedy lunch ready in only 10 minutes.

Kimchi Tuna Stew

Korean Kimchi Tuna Stir-Fried Stew
Kimchi Tuna Stew Ingredients
- Canned Tuna
- Umami-Packed Kimchi Base
Instructions
Side Dishes You Need For A Full Korean Home Style Meal

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Korean Kimchi Tuna Stir-Fried Stew

Scoop up some kimchi and tuna with some rice, and it is the perfect bite. This is so yummy. I can’t get over how easy it is to make this at home. Plus, I feel like you usually always have these ingredients anyways in the fridge.

Today’s recipe is one of my favorite kinds of recipe: low effort, comforting, ready in just under 30 minutes, and best of all, a travel inspired recipe. I actually got the inspiration for this dish on my flight back from Korea. The lounge had a very simple but spicy tuna kimchi bokkeum, and I ended up eating it with bowls and bowls of rice. So, of course, the second I got home, I knew I had to recreate it.

Kimchi Tuna Stew Ingredients

1 onion chopped
3-4 cups kimchi chopped (about 600-800 g)
1 Can tuna
1-2 tsp neutral oil
1 tbsp gochugaru
1 tsp dashi powder
1 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 tbsp sugar
Sesame seeds garnish
Green onion chopped, garnish

Canned Tuna

Canned tuna is an incredibly underrated protein. It’s packed with nutrients you need, like omega-3, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and selenium. It’s super flexible, so there’s a ton of different creative tuna recipes you can make! Simmered in its own juices combined with kimchi, this canned tuna adds even more umami flavor into the sauces. So, make sure to dump the whole can in, not just the tuna meat!

For some reason, Korean canned tuna just hits different. My favorite is the Don Won Tuna can. It also comes in a variety of flavors other than the original. If you like your tuna kimchi bokkeum extra spicy, you can also try their Spicy Korean Double Hot Tuna, which is also delicious!

Umami-Packed Kimchi Base

This spicy and sour kimchi-based sauce is what gets me eating so many bowls of rice. Who knew that simply using kimchi as a base would be so easy! Stir frying it with onions releases liquids from both the kimchi and the onion. Combined with the tuna can liquid, this sauce preserves all the natural flavors of each ingredient with no added water!

To give it more of a balanced flavor, we add dashi powder, sesame oil for fragrance, and just enough sugar to balance out all the sour spiciness. Of course, we can’t miss the gochugaru. You can always add extra for extra spiciness!

Instructions

Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little neutral oil. Add the chopped onions and kimchi, then sauté until the onions soften and the mixture smells fragrant.
Add the canned tuna directly into the pan, including the juices.
Season with red chili flakes, dashi powder, and sesame oil. Stir well, breaking up the tuna so everything mixes evenly.
Add sugar to balance the flavors.
Lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is well combined.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Side Dishes You Need For A Full Korean Home Style Meal