Korean Braised Radish with Tuna: Budget 30-Min Mu Jorim

If you are looking for a cozy, affordable Korean comfort dish, this Korean Braised Radish with Tuna is exactly what you need. Also known as Mu Jorim, this classic home-style stew combines tender Korean radish with savory canned tuna in a spicy soy-based sauce. Many people also call it a tuna radish stew, and it is one of the easiest Korean recipes you can make on a busy weeknight.

This Korea’s Braised Radish with Tuna recipe is budget-friendly, pantry-friendly, and full of deep umami flavor. It is a dish that Korean families often make when they want something warm, comforting, and simple without spending too much time or money.

What Is Mu Jorim?

Mu Jorim literally means “braised radish” in Korean. Traditionally, Mu Jorim is made with fish like mackerel or pollock, but this braised radish with tuna version uses canned tuna for convenience and affordability. The radish absorbs the savory sauce beautifully, becoming soft, juicy, and packed with flavor.

Unlike soup, tuna radish stew has a thicker, more concentrated sauce that clings to every bite. This is why Mu Jorim is often served with a big bowl of rice, the sauce is too good to waste.

Ingredients for Tuna Radish Stew

To make this easy braised radish with tuna, you will need:

• Korean radish (mu), cut into thick half-moons
• Canned tuna in oil or water
• Onion, sliced
• Garlic, minced
• Green onion, chopped
• Soy sauce
• Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
• Sugar
• Sesame oil
• Water or anchovy stock

These simple ingredients come together to create a deeply flavorful tuna radish stew that tastes like it simmered for hours.

Western Radish? Korean Radish?

What is the difference between a Western radish and a Korean radish? Korean radishes are fatter than Western radishes and have a distinct green part at the top. Koreans call them “Joseon Mu” (조선 무). The taste of Korean radish is stronger in both sweetness and pungency compared to Western radish.

What Kind of Radish Can Be Used for Korean Cooking Abroad?

Where I live in Belgium, in Europe, it’s hard to find Korean radishes. In Germany, I have seen Korean Radish “Joseon Mu” on sale, but they are hard to find in Belgium. Instead, I use daikon radish. Although daikon is less sweet than Korean radish, it is a sufficient substitute for Korean recipes in Europe.

Tips for Choosing Radish

Fresh radishes should feel firm and have a smooth surface with minimal cracks. Heavier radishes are usually better as they tend to be fresher. The leaves should not be wilted, as this indicates freshness. For Korean cooking, it’s best to choose a thicker daikon radish, as it has a more satisfying texture and holds up well in dishes like mu jorim.

Korean Budget Meal

To reduce food costs, it’s important to use ingredients that are affordable and versatile, such as cabbage or spinach. One of the best budget-friendly ingredients in Korean cuisine is radish (mu). Not only is radish inexpensive, but its large size makes it perfect for making several dishes. It also has a long shelf life – up to two weeks when refrigerated and up to two months when frozen. Let’s take a look at some Korean dishes that use radish.

How to Make Korean Braised Radish with Tuna

1. Add radish slices, onion, garlic, and water (or stock) to a pot and bring to a boil.
2. Stir in soy sauce, gochugaru, and sugar to build the base flavor of the Mu Jorim.
3. Simmer until the radish starts to soften.
4. Add the canned tuna (with or without oil, depending on preference).
5. Continue simmering until the sauce thickens and coats the radish.
6. Finish with green onion and sesame oil.

This simple process makes a delicious braised radish with tuna that is rich, savory, and comforting.

What to Serve with Tuna Radish Stew?

• Steamed white rice
• Kimchi
• A simple cucumber salad
• Rolled omelet (gyeran mari)

Together, these dishes create a balanced Korean home meal centered around this cozy tuna radish soup.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Korean Radish stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Like many braised dishes, Mu Jorim often tastes even better the next day.

3 Korean Radish Dishes

There are countless Korean radish dishes, from soups and stews to pickles, side dishes, and kimchi. Here are three representative radish dishes in Korean cuisine.

• Braised Radish with Mackerel (godeungeo mu jorim)

This dish is similar to today’s recipe, but uses mackerel instead of tuna. Mackerel Stewed Radish is the more traditional version. It’s a dish made by simmering radish and fish in a seasoned spicy broth for a long time, resulting in sweet, tender radish and savory, soft mackerel – a perfect harmony of flavors.

• Beef Radish Soup (soegogi muguk 소고기뭇국)

Koreans use radish a lot for soups, but Korean beef radish soup is one of the most iconic soups in Korea. This dish is made by simmering radish for a long time, allowing its natural sweetness to infuse the broth. The beef adds richness and depth, creating a comforting and flavorful soup. Here’s a really delicious Soegogi Muguk (Beef Radish Soup) recipe! It takes less time than the traditional version, but the flavor is even richer—this is theEasy Soegogi Muguk.

• Cubed Radish Kimchi (kkagdugi 깍두기)

Kkakdugi(깍두기) is a type of Korean radish kimchi made by cutting radish into cubes and seasoning it. Koreans often enjoy kkakdugi with dishes like seolleongtang (ox bone soup) or hangover soups, as it pairs perfectly with warm, hearty meals.

FAQ about Tuna MuJorim?

Real Korean Home Cooked Food, Braised Radish with Tuna

Braised radish (mu jorim) stew is a simple dish with minimal ingredients that anyone can make. It’s a dish that brings the warmth of Korean home cooking to the table. Every time I eat mu jorim(무조림), I’m reminded of the deep love and care my mother put into her cooking.

I hope you too can experience the comforting taste of Korean home-cooked food through this recipe. I look forward to sharing more delicious Korean dishes with you in the future. Thank you!