Homemade Moist Ssamjang (Korean Dipping Sauce)
Easy and Delicious Ssamjang Recipe
With homemade ssamjang, raw vegetables become a delightful snack or appetizer. Enjoy the perfect combination that stimulates your appetite when paired with fresh veggies.
Key Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste)
- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 handfuls Chopped Green Onion (approx. 2/3 cup)
- 1 Tbsp Guk-ganjang (Korean soup soy sauce)
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To make a generous batch of ssamjang that you can enjoy for a while, start by preparing 6 tablespoons of doenjang and 3 tablespoons of gochujang. A 2:1 ratio of doenjang to gochujang is recommended, yielding approximately 300ml of sauce. Place the doenjang and gochujang into a clean airtight container.
Step 2
Now, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients to enhance the flavor of your ssamjang. Add 2 handfuls of chopped green onion (about 2/3 cup), 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of anchovy soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang). The anchovy Guk-ganjang is the secret to adding a deep umami flavor and making the ssamjang extra moist! If you don’t have anchovy Guk-ganjang, you can substitute with 1/2 tablespoon of fish sauce and 1/2 tablespoon of regular soy sauce.
Step 3
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly. If the ssamjang seems a bit too thick, feel free to add another 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Alternatively, adding a little more regular soy sauce (1 Tbsp) can also help adjust the consistency and flavor. Continue mixing until you achieve your desired texture for a delicious ssamjang.
Step 4
Prepare some fresh vegetables to enjoy with your homemade ssamjang. Wash the cucumbers thoroughly, cut them into roughly 1-inch thick pieces, and then slice each piece into three smaller segments, resulting in four bite-sized pieces per original slice.
Step 5
Dipping fresh vegetables into your homemade ssamjang is simply divine! Besides crisp cucumbers, try pairing the ssamjang with sweet bell peppers or spicy Korean green peppers for a delightful experience. It makes for a healthy and delicious snack or an impressive appetizer.
