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Korean tuna rice is a very common quick meal that requires no cooking, as long as you already have rice. I make this spicy version all the time, but you can also make mild versions that are just as good.
The first time I watched my Korean cousin mix together rice, tuna, kimchi, & mayo, it looked really weird to me. I was extremely skeptical- almost grossed out actually- but it turned out to be so delicious and very filling!
What is the difference between Korean and American canned tuna?
The main difference is the different flavors that Korean canned tuna offers. There are so many- hot pepper, curry, jjajang (fermented black bean), kimchi, vegetable, and a few others.
Regular Korean canned tuna is also better than American tuna in my opinion. It has less of that dry chalky texture that canned tuna can have, and just tastes better.
Ingredients
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Rice- any kind of plain rice will work fine. I almost always have rice already made, but if you don’t then this will take roughly 20 minutes to make. Check out my recipe for perfectly steamed short grain rice.
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Korean canned tuna- for this recipe specifically, you will need the hot pepper flavor (or double hot pepper which is what I use). They are the same flavor but one is just spicier. This tastes very similar to spicy tuna.
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Seasoned seaweed- you can use any kind of seaweed seasoning. I often use Furikake, gim jaban (seasoned seaweed), or both. This adds umami.
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Kewpie Mayo- you can use American mayo if that’s all you have, but Kewpie is definitely better.
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Sesame oil- the only other sauce you need to add to this is sesame oil. It is a must.
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Pickled ginger- this is optional. When I make a regular tuna rice bowl, I usually add kimchi to it for some spice. Since this one is already spicy, I like to add some pickled ginger and its juices to brighten it up and add some texture. It goes so well with this rice bowl so I highly recommend you give it a try.
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Fried egg- also optional. If I’m not feeling lazy, sometimes I add a fried egg on top.
Where to buy Korean canned tuna
You should be able to find Korean canned tuna at any Korean supermarket, most Asian markets, or online. Korean supermarket chains like Hmart, Zion Market, Arirang, and Hannam Chain should all carry it.
Tip: stick to the DongWon brand. I’ve tried some of the other brands that are a little cheaper, and they are not as good.
If you’re having a hard time finding it, here is a link to purchase from Amazon. This one is the hot pepper flavor (but not double hot). I highly recommend trying to find a store that carries it before ordering from Amazon- it is VERY expensive through them!
Other tuna rice recipes to try
Next time you’re at the Korean grocery store, check out their canned tuna section. There are different flavors to choose from and even the regular flavor is better than American canned tuna!
Another really easy tuna rice I like to make I’m super short on time is regular tuna, rice, sesame oil, kewpie mayo, seasoned seaweed, and lots of kimchi!
Korean Tuna Rice (Chamchi Mayo)
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 3.5 oz can Korean hot pepper tuna , DongWon brand
- 2 tbsp Furikake rice seasoning, -or-
- 1/4 cup seasoned seaweed (kim jaban), -or a combination of both-
- 2 tbsp Kewpie Mayo , or American mayo
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Optional
- 1 fried egg
- pickled ginger
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together and mix well. Do not drain the liquids from the tuna- use everything in the can. Measurements provided are a good place to start, but you can adjust according to your taste.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Great recipe. I added fresh seaweed salad along with the seaweed, black and white sesame seeds, and the pickled ginger. I layered it instead of mixing it together
I honestly didn’t expect to like this recipe this much! I love recreating your recipes because I get to try new things I would have never have thought to try before <3 This will definitely be something I would make on repeat! Thank you so much for sharing your recipes with us
This was so good!! I’ve always seen this spicy tuna at HMart but I never purchased it. I finally bought one to try, looked for a recipe and found yours. Tweaked it a bit since I didn’t have any seaweed or furikake. I also added some green onion and cilantro to it for some freshness. So good!
This is your best quick nutritious meal. You don’t have to think what to do. Just grab whatever is in your fridge and mix everything up. I love adding edamame to this.
Hello, I’m not sure if you meant to put 5.29oz can, as the picture of the can shows. I didn’t have a 3.5 oz can and added 1/2 to all the other portions and the recipe turned out really water and mushy, is everyone just assuming the can is 5.29oz and just going based off that for 2 tbsp furikake , 2 tbsp Mayo, and 1 tbsp sesame oil? Thank you!
You’re so right Chamchi-Mayo is so easy and I’ve also made it one of my go-to for a quick awesome tasty meal when I’m on the go. Great recommendation, Dongwan Tuna is the best. And all the extras really help elevate this bowl. Thanks Stella!
I absolutely loved this recipe, and it’s quick and easy. I usually make this a weeknight meal after work. All you have to make and wait for is the rice. Pile all the ingredients on top and Hello dinner. Minimal effort after a long day at work. Thank you Stella!
This is one of my absolute favorite quick and easy recipes! I make this at least once a week for lunch at work. I omit the egg because I can’t fry an egg at work. But that Korean tuna! *chef’s kiss* I never knew about it until Stella posted it! It’s so good with a side of Korean seaweed!
I love this quick and easy recipe! I always make sure to have cans of tuna to make this! 🩷
This recipe is so simple and full of flavor! This is my go-to during my lunch breaks while working at home. I’ve also shared this recipe with family and friends and they love it!
I found this recipe at when Stella first made her video of it and it changed my life (dramatic, I know)! The BEST and easiest meal when you just don’t have it in you to cook. Also, find the red pepper tuna—that’s also life changing. If I could’ve filled a suitcase with that stuff when I moved back from living in South Korea I would’ve. Thanks for sharing such an easy and amazing meal, Stella! So proud of all of your success—it’s so rightfully deserved! 💕
This is one of my faves, sometimes I’ll do like a spicy mayo or throw on some magi sauce!
Best quick lunch. Now I always pick up a pack of the tuna when I go to Hmart!!
This is totally changed my life. I did not know that tuna came seasoned. I have only used the caned tuna at the regular grocery stores, so when I came across this recipe, I rushed to my local Hmart! Made my week! My family loves meat, but not me so much. So when the kids and hubby are chowing down on their steak, I can quickly make my tuna and rice. It it tasty with a cold glass of beer too. I add green onions and kimchi to it sometimes.
I’ve already made this dish several times! I’ve also shared the recipe with friends and family who are now hooked! The first bite was like “okay” I don’t know how I feel, but then I couldn’t stop eating it! I’ve never had Korean Tuna until Stella! I’m so glad she introduced and shared this recipe! This company should sponsor her, I’ve boughten so many after the recipe was posted!
Love making this simple and delish meal for a quick lunch!
This recipe is delicious and simple. As a pescitarian I had most of these items already in mt pantry. Also great for the macros!
This has been my go-to post-workout meal! It is so quick to make and super delicious. Wish I had found this recipe when I was in college.
my fav easy meal! this has easily become a staple in our home – so good, so quick <3 all the flavors are so balancing! reminds me of a cooked spicy ahi roll but in bibimbap form LOL thanks for sharing!!
In this economy, the best thing is a quick, easy, and affordable meal at any time and especially to take to work. Thank you for this delicious recipe!
My go to meal when I want something quick and delicious!
Because of this post on IG, I now eat this post workout almost all the time and it’s so yummy, thank you!
One of my absolute go-to meal hacks when I don’t have time to meal prep anything. I love Korean tuna so much.
When I need to tap into my Asian side and craving something delicious and fishy, this is my go to! Thanks stella!
I’m Korean and I never thought of making something simple like this! This hits the spot for a lazy meal/ snack! Thanks for sharing
Easy quick meal. The Korean tuna taste so much better, especially the double hot pepper 🔥
this recipe has become one of my staples to make in a crunch! Stella wasn’t kidding when she said Korean canned tuna just tastes so much better. A must try 🫶 thank you 💜
best easy recipe when you need a quick meal!!
Such a good and quick meal. My go to dinner when I want to make something simple and delicious.
Easy, convenient, cheap, and healthy meal! I suggest cooking in a clay pot or pan frying to get a crispy bottom 😇
love how easy and convenient this quick fix meal is! We always have cans of tuna, leftover rice, and seaweed on hand, which makes this one of our go-to meals when we need an easy dinner!
Ive made this over and over and over. Delicious and easy to make!
The perfect recipe for a quick meal! So good and easy!
One of my fav recipes! So easy and quick and affordable. Most importantly, super yummy!
I recently bought a ton of tuna cans in bulk from Costco – I made this once and I’ll never go back. Easily my favorite way to use it up. Plus makes an easy work lunch!
This is my go-to meal when I’m in a rush! Such an easy and satisfying meal!
If you’re hungry for a meal that is delicious and takes only minutes to make, this recipe is for you!! I love making this dish for my kids, and they tear it up EVERY TIME!
Love how simple and delicious this recipe is! Thank you Stella!
This came out so so good! I can’t wait to try more of your recipes. Yum!
Thanks!
Thank you Stella for this easy recipe that I can eat all the time. It is also nice to branch out and explore different canned tuna besides bumblebee!
Quick, easy, and convenient. Best part is that it’s incredibly yummy!
Been looking for a good spicy tuna recipe to try out with friends!! This is the best recipe to me. Easy comfort foods to make.
We always have same tuna can in our pantry. My sister shares the deliciousness with us and it’s always a go-to quick side dish for us. So yummy!
i make this literally once a week!! i live super close to an h-mart so i stay stocked in furikake and double hot pepper tuna thanks to this recipe. have also tried with turkey spam and it was amazing!
It’s a simple and yummy recipe!! I love mine spicy as well!!
Love this recipe for a quick lunch or dinner. Packed with flavor and filling. Thankful to have been turned into different Korean canned tuna!
I used to make this with plain tuna but your recommendation for double hot pepper was really yummy! Five stars!
I love this recipe. It is so tasty and easy. I even keep the items at work so I can have a quick, filling and delicious lunch when I do not have time to go out to grab lunch. I would love to see more quick and easy meal recipes.
The way I bought up this canned tuna st H-mart after I saw your video lol. Some days I have way too little energy to cook and this recipe makes it easy to get something warm, delicious, and filling.
Easiest weekday meal and tastes delicious! Love this recipe and it’s on repeat!
I’ve been searching for a simple chamchi recipe because I don’t know how to cook but looooooove chamchi and rice so this simple but delicious recipe was perfect for my chamchi cravings (and easy to do for a seriously I don’t know how to cook person!).
Such an easy dish to make especially when you’re on a time crunch or just want something quick to have in between schedules.
This recipe is a game changer! Quick to make and delicious
thank you for the introduction to Korean canned tuna!
I can’t even tell you how many times this recipe has saved my life. I work 50-60 hours a week and don’t always have the energy to cook a full meal, but this simple yet delicious recipe is something I always get excited for. It’s deceptively simple because of how well-balanced the flavors are, and ~in this economy~, a nutritious, filling, absolutely delicious, quick, and affordable meal is a rare and wonderful thing. Thank you, Stella!
This is one of my new favorite recipes to do when I’m on the go. So simple and so good!
All your recipes are stellar, but this is the one that I come back to time and time again. I’ve even got creative with this dish by subbing spam or other leftover protein in my fridge. It’s incredibly simple and easy to make and so versatile. This one is on weekly rotation in my home – it’s delicious!
Thank you!
This recipe is my absolute GO TO in a pinch. Often times working from home, I forget to eat or am too lazy to make anything that requires a lot of dishes, but I love this as a quick and easy high protein lunch.
This recipe changed my life!! I’m a busy nursing student who is also working full time. It is so hard time to meal prep and have meals ready for my busy schedule. This recipe is SO DELICIOUS and it takes me literally one minute to put together. It’s super filling and I can always have it ready when I don’t have time to buy or cook my meals. Korean spicy tuna has become a staple in my pantry!
Love making this as a snack whenever I have some left over rice! So easy and delicious!
Love this easy weekday meal!! The Korean canned tuna makes a big difference.
Hi Stella! I’ve made and loved a handful of your recipes so far but this tuna bowl is the one I go back to a lot bc I don’t need a recipe and I always have these ingredients when I don’t feel like cooking! Lols Love this! Thank you for all you do 🙂
This recipe is my go to when I’m home alone!! Soooo good and comforting and super easy
This recipe really came in handy for me. I’m a college student who works late nights at school and a lot of the time I don’t have time to cook or prep things. This recipe was quick and easy and I loved the tuna cans she introduced. I found them at my local hmart and have been using them ever since. I like to add radish and kimchi, just for cold and crunchy texture. Thank you so much for this quick and easy recipe, it’s really delicious and has saved me multiple times. Totally recommend!
I love all your recipes but this is a tried and true!!! Hadn’t tried the tuna until I found your recipe! Delicious 🤗
I now get this tuna every time I make it to a Korean market. So perfect for a quick meal!
My boys go to meal after school! So easy they can make themselves
this is my go-to recipe of yours and it never disappoints!
So simple, easy and delicious for my lazy days!
I love this recipe because it’s easy and I pretty much have everything I need. I love canned tuna and believe it’s overlooked because it’s high in protein and so affordable.
Made this for a quick lunch. So good! totally would make it again :]
I make this at least once a week now! The only thing I add other than egg is some roasted edamame but literally such a good easy staple meal for when you’re too tired to cook.
I love this recipe for its ease and flavor! So simple for a quick meal if I don’t want to cook after work.
I may try this with sardines. Live your tecipes
So incredibly simple but huge flavor payout! What a yummy meal! Thank you!! I love all your recipes!!