Cha Seung-won’s Tuna Kimchi Stew Recipe
Introduction
Tuna kimchi stew (Chamchi Kimchi Jjigae, 참치김치찌개) is a comforting and flavorful Korean dish loved by many. Recently, Cha Seung-won(차승원), a well-known South Korean actor, shared his unique twist on this classic recipe on the popular show “Three Meals a Day(삼시세끼).” His version is easy to make yet packed with flavor, making it perfect for any meal. Let’s dive into Cha Seung-won’s special tuna kimchi stew recipe and learn how to make it step-by-step!
🍲 Ingredients You Will Need
Here’s what you need to recreate this delicious tuna kimchi stew:
Main Ingredients
- 1 can of tuna (in oil or water, drained)
- 1½ cups of ripe kimchi (preferably aged)
- 1 block of tofu, cut into cubes
- 1 stalk of green onion, chopped
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups of water or broth
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 tablespoon of Korean red pepper paste (gochujang)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of cooking oil (sesame oil recommended)
👨🍳 How to Make Cha Seung-won’s Tuna Kimchi Stew
1. Sauté the Kimchi and Vegetables
- Start by heating a pot over medium heat with a tablespoon of cooking oil. Once hot, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they become fragrant.
- Add the aged kimchi to the pot and continue to sauté for about 3-5 minutes. This step helps enhance the flavor of the kimchi.
2. Add Seasonings and Tuna
- Once the kimchi is well sautéed, add 1 tablespoon of Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru) and 1 tablespoon of red pepper paste (gochujang). Stir well to combine.
- Open the can of tuna and add it to the pot, breaking it into smaller pieces as you mix. This ensures that the tuna flavor blends perfectly with the kimchi.
3. Pour in Water or Broth
- Add 2 cups of water or broth to the pot, and stir to mix all the ingredients. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a little less water.
- Season with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir to blend all the flavors together.
4. Simmer and Add Tofu
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Add the cubed tofu to the pot and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. Be gentle with the tofu to avoid breaking it apart.
5. Final Touches
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, soy sauce, or pepper if you prefer a stronger flavor.
- Add the chopped green onion to the pot just before serving. This will give your stew a fresh and slightly crunchy texture.
🥄 Tips for the Perfect Tuna Kimchi Stew
- Use Aged Kimchi: The older the kimchi, the more flavorful your stew will be. Aged kimchi has a tangy and deep flavor that complements the tuna perfectly.
- Don’t Overcook the Tofu: Add the tofu towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from falling apart.
- Serve with Rice: Tuna kimchi stew is best enjoyed with a bowl of steamed white rice. The rice helps balance the spicy and savory flavors of the stew.
📌 Why This Recipe is So Special
Cha Seung-won’s tuna kimchi stew recipe stands out because of its simplicity and rich flavors. The combination of spicy kimchi, savory tuna, and silky tofu creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for any time of the day. It’s no wonder that this recipe has become a favorite among viewers of “Three Meals a Day.”
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned how to make Cha Seung-won’s famous tuna kimchi stew, it’s time to try it out in your own kitchen. This recipe is perfect for those who want a quick, flavorful, and heartwarming meal. Whether you’re a fan of the show or simply love Korean food, this stew is sure to become one of your go-to dishes.
