Delicious Korean Tuna Fritters (Chamchijeon)

Today, I want to share one of my favorite snacks: Korean Tuna Fritters, or Chamchijeon. These are super easy to make and taste amazing.

Growing up in Korea, we always had Chamchijeon at home. My mom would make them for a quick lunch or snack. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a yummy tuna flavor.

You only need a few simple ingredients like canned tuna, eggs, and some chopped veggies. Mix them all together, fry in a pan, and you’re done! They’re perfect for a quick meal or even as a side dish with rice.

What I love about Chamchijeon is that they’re not only delicious but also healthy. Tuna is full of protein, so these fritters are a great way to get some extra nutrition.

If you’ve never tried making Korean food before, this is a great recipe to start with. It’s simple, fast, and so good. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as I do!

Chef’s Notes – Korean Tuna Fritters (Chamchijeon)

• Sesame Oil Addition: Add a teaspoon of sesame oil to the tuna mixture for an extra depth of flavor.
• Pairing Suggestions: These fritters pair wonderfully with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables for a traditional Korean touch.
• Vegetable Variations: Incorporate finely chopped carrots or zucchini into the mixture for added texture and nutrition.
• Spice It Up: For a spicier version, include some finely chopped fresh chili or a dash of chili powder in the mix.
• Consistency Check: Ensure the mixture is not too wet; if it is, add a bit more flour to achieve the right consistency for frying.
• Crispy Edges: For extra crispy edges, fry the fritters on slightly higher heat for a short burst before reducing to medium-low heat.
• Resting Time: Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before frying to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Serving Style: Serve the fritters immediately after frying for the best texture and taste, as they may become soggy if left to sit.
• Dipping Sauce Variations: Experiment with different dipping sauces like spicy mayo or a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of honey.

Korean Tuna Fritters

Recipe by Kimmy

Course: Side DishCuisine: KoreanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

pancakes

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

69

kcal

Total time

20

minutes

Dive into the delightful world of Korean cuisine with these easy-to-make Tuna Fritters! Packed with flavor and ready in just 20 minutes, these fritters are perfect for a quick side dish or a light meal. Impress your family and friends with this simple yet delicious recipe that brings a taste of Korea to your table.

Ingredients

• Main Ingredients

• 1 can (6.5 oz) tuna in water drained well

• 2 large eggs lightly beaten

• 1 oz green onions finely chopped (about 2-3 stalks)

• 1/4 cup onion finely diced

• 1/4 cup red bell pepper or chili pepper seeds removed and finely diced

• 1/4 cup green bell pepper or chili pepper seeds removed and finely diced

• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional)

• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

• A pinch of ground black pepper

• Cooking oil (such as rice bran oil)

• Dipping Sauce

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon water

• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

• 2 teaspoons sugar

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Tuna: Use canned salmon or shredded chicken as a substitute.

• Mayonnaise: Replace with Greek yogurt or omit for a dairy-free option.

• All-purpose flour: Use gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

• Soy sauce: Substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.

Directions

• Prepare Dipping Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, rice wine vinegar, and sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set aside.
• Mix Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, beaten eggs, chopped green onions, diced onion, red and green bell peppers (or chili peppers), mayonnaise (if using), all-purpose flour, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
• Cook Fritters – Preheat a nonstick pan over medium-low heat. Once heated, add a small amount of cooking oil to coat the pan evenly. Using a spoon or small scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of the tuna mixture onto the pan to form small pancakes. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Press gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
• Repeat Process – Remove the cooked fritters from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining mixture, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
• Serve – Serve the tuna fritters warm with the prepared dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy with steamed rice and other Korean side dishes if desired.

Equipment

• mixing bowls
• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board
• Nonstick Pan
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 69kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 37mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Potassium: 100mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Vitamin A: 200IU
• Vitamin C: 10mg
• Calcium: 20mg
• Iron: 0.5mg

FAQ – Korean Tuna Fritters (Chamchijeon)