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Spicy Tuna Stew (Chamchi‑jjigae)

Recipe by Maangchi on YouTubeAdded 6 November 2026.
  • 35 min
  • Serves 4
  • 15 ingredients

15 minutes to prep, 20 to cook. A bold Korean stew that combines savory canned tuna with spicy gochujang, gochugaru, and a sweet‑tangy apple ssamjang. The broth thickens with sesame oil and crunchy green onions, making it a quick, flavorful dinner perfect for rice and lettuce wraps.

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Ingredients

4 servingsMetric

Stew

Apple Ssamjang

Amounts as Maangchi gives them. Metric converts supported weights and liquids, and oven temperatures; spoon measures and counts stay as written.

Method

  1. 1

    Dice the onion and set aside.

  2. 2

    In a pot, combine 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp gochugaru, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1.5 cup water; stir until the sauces dissolve.

  3. 3

    Add the diced onion and the drained canned tuna to the pot and bring to a simmer over medium‑high heat.

  4. 4

    Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  5. 5

    While the stew simmers, mince the 4 garlic cloves and chop the 2 green onions.

  6. 6

    After the initial 10 minutes, add the minced garlic, chopped green onions, and green chili pepper to taste; stir and continue cooking for another 3–5 minutes.

  7. 7

    Prepare the apple ssamjang by mixing 1 tbsp Korean bean paste, 1 tbsp gochujang, the minced garlic, the small diced apple, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and sesame seeds to taste until a thick sauce forms.

  8. 8

    Stir the apple ssamjang mixture into the stew and cook for an additional 3–5 minutes until the broth thickens slightly.

  9. 9

    Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then turn off the heat and serve hot with rice and lettuce wraps.

Tips while you cook

Prep aromatics before simmering
Dice the onion and have the garlic minced and green onions chopped ready before the stew reaches the simmer stage.
Stir occasionally during simmer
Stir the stew while it simmers for the first 10 minutes to prevent sticking.
Add the apple ssamjang at the end
Mix the apple ssamjang separately and stir it into the stew during the final 3–5 minutes for a thickened broth.
Adjust heat after adding garlic and chilies
After adding garlic, green onions, and chili, keep cooking on medium‑high for only 3–5 minutes.

Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.

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The recipe comes from Maangchi’s YouTube video. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.

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