Easy and Delicious Tuna Doenjang Jjigae
Quick & Easy Tuna Doenjang Jjigae: Ready in Minutes!
Wondering how to make a flavorful Doenjang Jjigae with just one can of tuna? This recipe is so straightforward, even a beginner can make it in a flash! It’s as easy as a rapper’s flow. (※ Spoon measurements are based on a standard Korean rice spoon.)
Ingredients- 2 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 0.75 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste, approx. 1.5 tsp)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 small Zucchini
- 1/2 small Onion
- 3 Korean Green Chilies (Cheongyang peppers)
- 1 can (150g) Tuna, drained
- 0.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, approx. 1 tsp)
- 1 Red Chili
- 1 block (approx. 300g) Firm Tofu
- 800ml Water (approx. 4 cups)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your vegetables and tofu. Slice the zucchini and onion into half-moon shapes. Dice the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Slice the green and red chilies diagonally. Having all your ingredients prepped makes the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a pot over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly golden brown. This step builds a deeper flavor base for your stew.
Step 3
Pour in 800ml of water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the 2 tablespoons of doenjang (Korean soybean paste). It’s best to dissolve the doenjang through a sieve to ensure no lumps, then stir well.
Step 4
Once the doenjang is dissolved, add the entire can of tuna, including the oil. The tuna will add a wonderful savory depth and umami to the broth.
Step 5
Now, stir in 0.75 tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste). This adds a touch of sweetness and a pleasant spicy kick to the stew. Mix it in thoroughly.
Step 6
Add the sliced zucchini to the pot. Zucchini cooks quickly, so adding it towards the end helps maintain a pleasant texture. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become mushy.
Step 7
Stir in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. This is a staple aromatic that complements the doenjang beautifully, adding that classic Korean flavor profile.
Step 8
Add 0.5 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). This will enhance the spiciness and give the stew a vibrant red color. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Step 9
Finally, add the diagonally sliced Korean green chilies and red chili. These add a fresh, spicy, and slightly pungent flavor that brightens up the entire stew.
Step 10
Gently stir everything together to combine the flavors. Let it simmer until it’s bubbling merrily. Congratulations, you’ve made a delicious Tuna Doenjang Jjigae! Enjoy this incredibly satisfying and easy-to-make stew that’s perfect with a bowl of rice.
