Healthy Low-Sodium Ssamjang with Crispy Rice Wraps
Enjoy a Healthy Meal with Homemade Low-Sodium Ssamjang and Delicious Ssam-bap
Create your own delicious low-sodium ssamjang that’s not too salty and perfect for guilt-free enjoyment! This ssam-bap recipe features soft tofu and fresh vegetables, offering a delightful texture with every bite. Served with crisp European salad or fresh lettuce and warm barley rice, it makes for an even more satisfying and healthy meal.
Ssamjang Ingredients- 1/2 block firm tofu
- 1/3 small zucchini
- 3 shiitake mushrooms
- 1/2 small onion
- 1 red chili pepper
- A small bunch of green onions
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables that will add flavor to your ssamjang. Mash or finely mince half a block of tofu. Wash and finely chop 1/3 of a small zucchini, 3 shiitake mushrooms, and 1/2 of a small onion. Remove the seeds from 1 red chili pepper and mince it, then finely chop a small bunch of green onions.
Step 2
In a pot, combine 3 tablespoons of doenjang and 1/2 cup (approx. 100ml) of water. Stir well to dissolve the doenjang without any lumps.
Step 3
Simmer the doenjang over medium heat. Stirring occasionally, cook until it thickens into a paste. This process helps to enhance the savory flavor of the doenjang and achieve the right consistency for the ssamjang. Cook for about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4
If you’d like a touch of spiciness, add 2 tablespoons of gochugaru and mix well. Gochugaru not only adds a pleasant kick but also enhances the color of the ssamjang.
Step 5
Add the prepared tofu, zucchini, shiitake mushrooms, onion, red chili pepper, and green onions to the pot. Stir everything together evenly. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until all ingredients are well combined and the delicious low-sodium ssamjang is ready. Remove from heat once it starts to boil.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the ssam-bap! Wash your European lettuce or fresh lettuce leaves thoroughly and ensure they are completely dry. Using a salad spinner is highly recommended. Prepare the barley rice while warm, then shape it into small balls with your hands to form the ssam-bap base.
Step 7
Personally, I prefer the crisp texture of European lettuce over the softer texture of regular lettuce, so I often use it for making ssam-bap. Feel free to choose the leafy greens that best suit your taste!
Step 8
Generously spoon the freshly made low-sodium ssamjang onto the prepared barley rice balls. A good amount of ssamjang is key to infusing the rice and vegetables with its wonderful flavor.
Step 9
Thanks to the soft tofu and the satisfying crunch of the vegetables in our low-sodium ssamjang, you’ll find yourself reaching for more and more wraps! Enjoy a delightful and healthy meal with these delicious ssam-bap.
