Ssamjang (Korean spicy dipping sauce)

Ssamjang is a thick Korean spicy paste used for food (typically grilled meat such as bulgogi) wrapped in a leaf (such as lettuce). It is literally known as wrapping (“ssam”) sauce (“jang”).

Related Recipes:

• Beef Bulgogi Recipe
• Bibimbap (Korean Mixed Rice) Recipe
• Easy Korean Recipes

Ready-made ssamjang is available at Korean supermarkets, but since I already have all the ingredients in my pantry, I make my own ssamjang only when needed, saving the precious fridge space from another random bottle of sauce. It’s really quick and simple too – it is non-cooking and took no more than 15 minutes to make.

The homemade ssamjang is also great because I can tweak the taste to my preference. A small dab goes well with lettuce-wrapped beef bulgogi as shown in the picture above, and it will also add loads of flavour to a simple lettuce wrap with just multi-grained rice. A million thanks to the trusty Maangchi for her ssamjang recipe which I adapted from.

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Ssamjang Recipe

This home-made ssamjang keeps in the fridge, covered with cling or lid, for about a week.

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

• 50 grams doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean spicy paste)
• 3 tbsp chopped onion
• 3 tbsp chopped spring onion
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tsp honey
• 2 tsp sesame seed
• 1 clove minced garlic
• water to thin, if needed

Directions:

1. Stir to combine everything well in a small bowl.
2. Add a dab of ssamjang with lettuce, grilled meat and/or steamed multi-grained rice.

Recipe adapted from Maangchi: Ssamjang Recipe

Ingredients Used: doenjang • garlic • gochujang • honey • onion • sesame oil • sesame seed • spring onion