Korean Spicy Tuna Pasta Salad
A quick and delicious gluten-free pasta salad with a spicy kick from Korean flavors.
Equipment
- Pan
- Stirring spoon
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 185 g canned tuna drained
- 50 g mixed vegetables chopped (e.g. sweet corn, baby peas, bell peppers, or carrots)
- 20 g onion diced
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil rice bran oil recommended
- 1 Tbsp gochujang Korean chili paste
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- ½ Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Start by heating the cooking oil in a pan until it’s shimmering. You’ll know it’s ready when you see little ripples on the surface. This is key for sautéing the vegetables right and bringing out their flavors. Do not leave it unattended to avoid burning.
- Toss in the diced onion and your mixed vegetables to the hot oil. Stir them for a couple of minutes until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. This adds a nice crunch while softening the veggies. Just watch out for overcooking; you want them to remain vibrant.
- Add the drained tuna to the pan and break it up gently with a spatula. Then, stir in the gochujang, ketchup, and honey until it is well mixed. The mixture should be slightly sticky and hold a nice color. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, as the sugars in the sauce can caramelize quickly.
- Once everything is combined, toss your cooked pasta into the pan. Stir to coat it with the spicy mixture, heating it through for a minute. It should start looking deliciously glossy. Be careful not to let it sit too long to avoid mushy pasta.
- Finish up by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor. It should look inviting and colorful. Serve it immediately while it is warm. Just remember, if you leave it too long, the pasta may soak up too much sauce.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If the tuna ends up too dry, just warm it through instead of overheating it for a more pleasant texture. When you want to save time, opt for canned or frozen vegetables to make preparation quick and easy. If the salad seems bland, adjusting the gochujang and honey can help find the right balance of spice and sweetness. For perfectly cooked pasta, keep an eye on it while boiling to maintain that desirable al dente texture. If serving over rice or pasta, consider doubling the sauce for added flavor and moisture.