Nutty Tuna Ssamjang (Korean Dipping Sauce)
Lower Salt, Double the Nutty Flavor! Ssamjang with Nuts and Tuna
Discover a delightful ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce) recipe that reduces saltiness while amplifying nutty richness by incorporating various nuts and tuna. This version is so delicious that even children who are usually picky about nuts will enjoy it! It’s a fantastic way to add health and flavor to your meals.
Main Ingredients
- 1 handful of mixed nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds)
- 1 small can of tuna (drained)
Seasoning Ingredients
- 3-4 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1.5-2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp finely ground sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp Oligodang (corn syrup or other liquid sweetener)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 3-4 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1.5-2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp finely ground sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp Oligodang (corn syrup or other liquid sweetener)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Heat a dry pan over medium-low heat. Add one handful of mixed nuts and toast them for about 2-3 minutes until they turn a light golden brown. This toasting process removes any potential stale or fishy odors from the nuts and enhances their natural nutty aroma and flavor. Be careful not to burn them.
Step 2
Spread the toasted nuts on a tray or plate to cool down completely. Proceeding with warm nuts might affect the final texture and taste of the ssamjang.
Step 3
While the nuts are cooling, drain the oil thoroughly from the can of tuna. Place the tuna flesh into a bowl. Add the doenjang, gochujang, and minced garlic to the bowl with the tuna and mix them together well.
Step 4
Once the toasted nuts have completely cooled, place them into a zip-top bag. Use a rolling pin or your hands to gently crush the nuts. You don’t need to pulverize them into a fine powder; a slightly chunky texture will provide a pleasant bite.
Step 5
Add the crushed nuts to the bowl containing the tuna and seasoning mixture. Stir in the finely ground sesame seeds, oligodang, and sesame oil. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 6
Once everything is well combined, your delicious Nutty Tuna Ssamjang is ready! This versatile sauce pairs wonderfully with various wrap vegetables like cabbage, perilla leaves, kale, or lettuce. Enjoy it as a ‘ssambap’ (rice wrapped in vegetable leaves) for a satisfying and healthy meal.
