Chamchi Kimchi Jjigae (Tuna and Kimchi Stew)
A bubbling red stew of sour kimchi, tuna and tofu that comes together in 25 minutes with pantry ingredients.
Made with Kimchi. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time30 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £2.24 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Use your ready made kimchi (see the base recipe). Heat the sesame oil in a medium saucepan over a medium heat. Fry the kimchi and onion for 5 minutes until the onion softens and the kimchi smells savoury.
5 min - 2
Add the gochugaru and cook for 30 seconds, stirring so it does not catch.
- 3
Pour in the water and tamari. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 minutes until the broth is deep red and tangy.
10 min - 4
Add the tofu and drained tuna. Simmer for 5 minutes more until the tofu is hot all the way through.
5 min - 5
Taste, adding a splash of kimchi brine if you want it more sour. Scatter over the spring onions.
- 6
Serve bubbling hot with steamed rice.
Tips
- Sour, aged kimchi makes the best jjigae. Add a splash of its brine for extra tang.
- Frying the kimchi first deepens its flavour and softens the sharpness.
- Use tuna in oil and add a little of its oil to the stew for richness.
Storing and freezing
Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat until steaming hot. The flavour improves overnight. Freeze without the tofu for up to 2 months.
Questions
Can I use pork instead of tuna?
Yes. Fry thin slices of pork belly with the kimchi until browned. Make sure the pork is cooked through before adding water.
How spicy is it?
Medium. Add more gochugaru for a hotter stew or leave it out if your kimchi is already fiery.
Is it gluten free?
Yes, using gluten free tamari and gluten free kimchi from the base recipe. Check bought kimchi for wheat.
Can I make it with silken tofu?
Yes. Add it for the last 3 minutes and break it up gently with a spoon.
More made with kimchi
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.