• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Seasoned by Jin
menu icon
go to homepage
  • ABOUT
  • RECIPES
  • INGREDIENTS
  • CONTACT
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • ABOUT
    • RECIPES
    • INGREDIENTS
    • CONTACT
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Stew

    Spicy Tofu Jjageuli with Tuna

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    March 26, 2022

    This Korean Spicy Tofu Jjageuli with Tuna has everything you want if you are a spicy food lover with an extra tuna flavor! It’s spicy, pungent, full of texture and perfect with rice! This one pot saucy meal is super tasty, easy to make, and surprisingly affordable!

    Spicy Tofu Jjageuli with tuna in a pot
    Tasty Jjageuli bite
    tofu jjageuli in a bowl with rice
    Ready to eat Korean Jjageuli

    what is korean jjageuli?

    Jjageuli is a Korean dish that’s like a cousin to Korean stew, however it differs in the overall texture and consistency. Jjageuli has more of a sauce consistancy rather than a stew. Reasoning behind this is so that it can be topped on rice when served. And of course, the recommended way of eating jjageuli is to mix well with rice, simliar to how Koreans eat curry with rice.

    where did jjageuli originate?

    Jjageuli is said to have originated from the Chungcheong Province in south Korea. It is typically made with pork and vegetables and known to be spicy, salty, saucy meal. Today there are many variations of Jjageuli and became a popular dish among spicy food lovers in Korea.

    how do you make spicy tofu jjageuli with tuna?

    You don’t need a lot of ingredients for Jjageuli. Prepping your protein and vegetables and making the sauce ahead of time will be a big help when cooking.

    • Drain the can tuna, set aside.
    • Prep veggies, dice, chop and mince as needed.
    • Measure and combine the sauce ingredients.
    • Heat pan and stir fry aromatics with tuna. Add sauce and stir fry a bit.
    • Add vegetables, tofu, and water into pot. Bring to boil.
    • Simmer and garnish.
    • Time to enjoy!
    Jjageuli with rice
    close up photo of spicy tofu with tuna
    Fresh Jjageuli
    korean canned tuna
    Korean tuna can photos

    can you use different type of protein and veggies?

    Yes you can use pork, beef or even spam as protein. I also suggest potatoes and radishes or anything that can be diced and can come out soft after simmering.

    what are some tips on making jjageuli a success.

    • Dice everything bite size. Since you will be mixing it with rice, you want the ingredients to be small enough to scoop and eat without having to cut or slice.
    • Don’t overcook Jjageuli. You want to keep some texture so that you can enjoy it to the fullest. It’s nice to have soft and crunchy texture with rice.
    • Use minimal amount of water. If you use too much water, your jjageuli may end up as a soup and you will have a runny rice meal.
    • Try to use a small pot or a flat pot. I don’t recommend using a big pot for jjageuli to avoid overheating and burning.
    • Keep your eye on the pot and don’t walk away during cooking. Jjaeuli is a delicate dish since it has minimal amount of water. It will be safe to stay with the pot the whole cooking time so you can control the temperature and stir as needed.

    can you make this recipe less spicy?

    Yes you can make this dish less spicy by reducing the gochujang, however with tuna, it made it less fishy from being spicy. So if you want less spicy Jjageuli I suggest using a different protein than tuna.

    can you use fresh tuna?

    I recommend using the Korean can tuna. It is very convenient to use, without having to measure, cut and getting your hand dirty. I also think the canned tuna had slightly different texture which helped the end result. But if you are a real tuna lover, I say go for it. Just be mindful, the final texture and flavor may be different from this version.

    where can you find Korean canned tuna?

    You can find Korean canned tuna from Korean grocery store or Asian market. Some even carry them online. I like to use either the Dong Won brand or the Ottogi brand. Dongwon’s Tuna in LIght Standard flavor was used for my version. I believe some come in kimchi flavor, jjajang flavor and vegetable flavor so make sure you read the label when purchasing!

    what is the best way to eat spicy tofu Jjageuli?

    The best way to eat jjageuli is mix it with short grain rice!! The spicy, savory sauce will go perfectly well when mixed with hot fresh rice!! You can pair it with kimchi, fried egg, and other Korean side dishes.

    Korean jjageuli in a white bowl topped on rice
    Spicy Tofu Jjageuli with Tuna

    how can i store spicy tofu and tuna leftovers?

    You can store Left over Jjageuli in the fridge for about 2 days. The sauce will thicken as it solidifies. You can add a bit of water to loosen up the sauce when reheating.

    if you like spicy dishes, check out the following recipes!

    1. SPICY KOREAN RICE CAKE WITH CABBAGE, TTEOKBOKKI
    2. SPICY SALMON WITH SHISHITO PEPPERS
    3. HAEMUL SUNBUDU JJIGAE/ SPICY TOFU STEW WITH SEAFOOD,
    4. Spicy Korean Squid Stew, Ojingeo Jjigae

    did you like this spicy jjageuli dish?

    Did you try making this dish and enjoyed it? Love to see your creation! Tag me in your creation on Instagram! and tag me @seasonedbyjin

    Korean jjageuli in a white bowl topped on rice
    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Spicy Tofu Jjageuli with Tuna

    This Korean Jjageuli has everything you want if you are a spicy food lover! It's spicy, pungent, full of texture and perfect with rice! This one pot saucy meal is super tasty, easy to make, and surprisingly affordable!
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time20 minutes mins
    Servings: 2 people
    Calories:
    Author: Seasoned by Jin

    Ingredients

    • 1½ Tbsp neutral oil
    • 1 cup onion, diced
    • 1 can tuna (150g) I used Dong Won Tuna Light Standard
    • 3 cloves garlic mince
    • 2 Tbsp sake
    • 1 cup zucchini, diced
    • ½ cup shiitake mushroom, chopped
    • 8-9 oz tofu, firm dice
    • 1 cup water

    sauce

    • 1½ Tbsp gochujang Korean red pepper paste
    • 1 tsp sugar
    • ½ Tbsp doenjang Korean soy bean paste
    • 2 Tbsp Guk ganjang Korean soup soy sauce, I used Sempio
    • 1 Tbsp sesame oil

    toppings

    • 1 serrano pepper slice
    • 1 finger red pepper slice
    • 1 stalk scallion chop

    optional

    • 1 tsp sea salt depends on your preference and saltiness of your gochujang and doenjang.

    Instructions

    • Empty can of tuna into a small strainer and drain liquid. Let it sit for about 5 mins.
    • Chop and slice all veggies. Chop tofu and mince garlic. Set aside.
    • Combine sauce ingredients into a small bowl. Set aside.
    • Heat pan on medium high heat and add oil. Add onion and stir fry for about 2min or until fragrant. Add pinch of salt and pepper.
    • Into the pot, add garlic, tuna, sake and stir fry for another 2-3mins. Then add sauce and stir fry for 1min.
    • Add rest of veggies, tofu and water. Bring to boil and cook on medium heat for 9-10min. Then lower heat and simmer for 6-7mins. Stirring occasionally.
    • Can add more salt as needed. I used 1tsp sea salt. Garnish with serrano pepper, finger red pepper and scallion.
    Share on Facebook Pin Recipe

    Video

    Tried this recipe?Mention @seasonedbyjin or tag #seasonedbyjin!

    More Stew Recipes

    • Best Korean Stew Recipes
    • pot of korean squid stew and ready to serve bowl.
      Spicy Korean Squid Stew, Ojingeo Jjigae
    • Soybean Paste Stew with Beef & Vegetables/Korean Doenjang Jjigae
    • korean spicy stew with salmon
      Spicy Salmon Stew/Yeon-eo Maeuntang

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi There! Welcome to my blog! I am Jin, the creator behind Seasonedbyjin. I am a total foodie and I love to constantly cook and create new recipes in my home kitchen based out of Virginia! For delicious Korean food recipes and other fusion food ideas, please check out my website!

    More about me →

    LATEST

    • Korean Instant Noodles, Ramyun
    • Wok Seared Shrimp and Potatoes Recipe
    • tray of salmon cakes
      Salmon Tofu Patties Recipe
    • rice bowl with jjajang sauce on top with cucumbers
      Jjajangbap (Rice with Black Bean Sauce)

    LET’S CONNECT!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Welcome Greeting!

    Hi There! Welcome to my blog! I am Jin, the creator behind Seasonedbyjin. I am a total foodie and I love to constantly cook and create new recipes in my home kitchen based out of Northern Virginia! For delicious Korean food recipes and other fusion food ideas, please check out my website! Anyeong! Read More…

    Let’s Connect!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Categories

    Meat Lovers

    slow cooker chicken thigh with sweet pineapples

    Slow Cooker Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

    Instant Pot Pork Bossam

    Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

    More Posts from this Category

    Seafood

    spicy salmon with shishito peppers

    Spicy Salmon with Shishito Peppers

    korean spicy stew with salmon

    Spicy Salmon Stew/Yeon-eo Maeuntang

    Savory Braised Salmon

    Crispy Quinoa Tilapia

    Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos with Spicy Aioli

    Wok Seared Salmon Stir-Fry

    View more seafood recipes

    Kimchi

    The Best Watermelon Rind Kimchi

    The Best Bok Choy Kimchi

    Perilla Leaf Kimchi, Kkaennip Kimchi

    Eggplant Kimchi, Gaji Kimchi

    How To Brine a Whole Napa Cabbage For Kimchi

    Korean Vegan Kimchi With Napa Cabbage, Baechu Pogi Kimchi

    More Posts from this Category

    Dumplings/Mandu

    crab rangoon arranged on a plate with sauce

    Crab Rangoon (Crispy Recipe)

    Asian Style Chicken Perogies

    Korean Pork & Vegetable Mandu

    Sides

    tray of salmon cakes

    Salmon Tofu Patties Recipe

    oi muchim served in a bowl

    Easy Korean Cucumber Salad (oi muchim) with Mini Cukes

    cucumber and crab meat salad on the table

    Korean Cucumber and Crab Stick Salad

    view more side dish recipes

    Hearty Soups

    Savory Miso Soup

    Chicken Soup with Rice Cakes

    Gomtang Gold/Korean Beef Bone Soup

    Ham and Vegetable Soup With Noodles

    Bulgogi Soba Noodle Soup

    Ham Bone Broth/Stock

    More Posts from this Category

    Stews

    Scooping Korean Jjageuli with a spoon

    Spicy Tofu Jjageuli with Tuna

    Soybean Paste Stew with Beef & Vegetables/Korean Doenjang Jjigae

    korean spicy stew with salmon

    Spicy Salmon Stew/Yeon-eo Maeuntang

    Beef Soybean Paste Stew, Doenjang Jjigae

    Kimchi Stew with Soft Tofu, Kimchi Soondubu Jjigae

    Spicy Tofu Stew with Seafood, Haemul Sundubu Jjigae

    More Posts from this Category

    Rice

    finished folded kimbap on a plate

    Folded Kimbap Recipe (Korean Tortilla Hack)

    stir fried rice photo

    Easy 15-Minute Fried Rice Recipe

    Sweet Summer Corn with Rice

    More Posts from this Category

    Sweets

    Chewy Matcha Snickerdoodles

    Mini Banana & Blueberry Power Muffins

    Homemade Pepero Sticks with Chocolate

    More Posts from this Category

    Street Food

    rice bowl with jjajang sauce on top with cucumbers

    Jjajangbap (Rice with Black Bean Sauce)

    profile photo of gilgeori toast

    Korean Street Toast Recipe (Gilgeori Toast)

    korean tteokbokki served in a pan with serving spoon and bowls on table

    Spicy Korean Rice Cake with Cabbage, Tteokbokki

    More Posts from this Category

    Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Pork Bossam

    Instant Pot Bulgogi Jjim

    Instant Pot Spicy Gochujang Ribs

    Instant Pot Braised Kimchi with Pork, Korean Kimchi Jjim

    ox tail bone soup in a clay pot

    Instant Pot Korean Oxtail Soup, Kkori Gomtang

    close up photo udon chicken soup

    Instant Pot Chicken Udon Soup With Crispies

    More Posts from this Category

    Fusion

    Marinated Beef With Rice Noodles

    Honey Chili Lime Chicken Poppers

    Easy Tasty Pan-Fried Smoked Duck

    Five Layer Bulgogi Tots With Spicy Kimchi Sauce

    Baked Asian Style Chicken & Rice Meatballs

    Baked Asian Style Chicken & Rice Meatballs with Eggplants in Pasta Sauce

    More Posts from this Category

    Vegetarian

    Pickled Korean Peppers, Gochu Jangajji

    The Best Watermelon Rind Kimchi

    Zesty Mango Chicken Salad

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • about me
    • Privacy Policy

    Follow Us

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Seasoned by Jin