Delicious Homemade Ssamjang
The Best Ssamjang Recipe: Perfect for Meat, Rice, and Wraps
Enjoy a delightfully crunchy and mild ssamjang that’s not too salty. Perfect for any meal!
Vegetable Base
- 1/4 onion
- 2-3 Cheongyang chili peppers (adjust to your spice preference)
Golden Ratio Seasoning
- 1.5 ladles gochujang (Korean chili paste, approx. 150g)
- 2 ladles doenjang (Korean soybean paste, approx. 200g)
- 4 Tbsp oligo당 (isomaltooligosaccharide, adjust sweetness)
- 4 Tbsp minced garlic (generous amount)
- 4 Tbsp sesame oil (for rich aroma)
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- 1.5 ladles gochujang (Korean chili paste, approx. 150g)
- 2 ladles doenjang (Korean soybean paste, approx. 200g)
- 4 Tbsp oligo당 (isomaltooligosaccharide, adjust sweetness)
- 4 Tbsp minced garlic (generous amount)
- 4 Tbsp sesame oil (for rich aroma)
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables that will give the ssamjang its wonderful texture and flavor. Adjust the amount of onion and Cheongyang peppers according to your preference for crunchiness and spiciness. This is especially important if you’re serving it with grilled meats, so using fresh, crisp vegetables is key.
Step 2
Finely mince the prepared onion and Cheongyang peppers into pieces about 5mm in size. Mincing them this small will contribute to a smoother overall texture of the ssamjang and help the seasonings blend evenly.
Step 3
Transfer the finely minced onion and chili peppers into a large bowl. Now, it’s time to add the seasonings to create our delicious ssamjang.
Step 4
Add a generous amount of minced garlic to enhance the umami and aroma of the ssamjang. The pungent flavor of the garlic will make the ssamjang even richer.
Step 5
Pour in 4 tablespoons of sesame oil for a nutty fragrance. If you like, you can sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top at the end for an even more appealing and aromatic finish. Crushing the sesame seeds before adding them will release more flavor.
Step 6
Add the oligo당 to provide sweetness and a glossy sheen to the ssamjang. Feel free to adjust the amount of sweetness to your liking. You can also substitute this with corn syrup or sugar.
Step 7
Add the doenjang, which forms the base of the ssamjang. Using store-bought doenjang makes it easy to achieve a deep flavor. Since different doenjang brands have varying saltiness levels, it’s a good idea to taste and adjust as you go.
Step 8
Finally, add the gochujang. Using slightly less gochujang than doenjang helps create a ssamjang that is not heavy or cloying, but clean-tasting. Getting the right ratio of gochujang to doenjang is crucial.
Step 9
Now, use a spatula or spoon to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Stir until there are no lumps and everything is smoothly incorporated. This homemade ssamjang is ready to be enjoyed immediately, or you can store it in the refrigerator for later use. It’s incredibly delicious with grilled meats, as a bibimbap sauce, or simply enjoyed with fresh wrap vegetables!
