Tomato and Pork Ssamjang
Make a Less Salty Ssamjang with Doenjang and Tomatoes
My garden is yielding so much lettuce! I wanted to make a less salty ssamjang, and adding ground pork and tomatoes made it not only delicious but also perfectly balanced in saltiness. It’s fantastic with rice too!
Main Ingredients- 2 Tbsp Doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 200g Ground Pork
- 3 Medium Tomatoes
- 1 Onion
Seasonings & Other Ingredients- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Ginger Syrup (or finely minced ginger)
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil (1 Tbsp for cooking, 1 Tbsp for finishing)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- A little Green Onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Ginger Syrup (or finely minced ginger)
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil (1 Tbsp for cooking, 1 Tbsp for finishing)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- A little Green Onion, finely chopped (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the main ingredients: 2 tablespoons of doenjang and 200g of ground pork. Using pork with less fat will result in a more delicate flavor.
Step 2
Wash and prepare 3 medium tomatoes and 1 onion. Fresh ingredients are key to a delicious ssamjang.
Step 3
In a bowl, combine the ground pork with 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of ginger syrup, a pinch of black pepper, 2 tablespoons of mirin, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Mix well with your hands or a spoon, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes for best results.
Step 4
Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated ground pork and stir-fry. Break up any clumps with a chopstick or spoon as it cooks to ensure it browns evenly.
Step 5
Once the pork is almost fully cooked, add 2 tablespoons of doenjang. Continue to cook and stir for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the doenjang to meld with the pork.
Step 6
If you’re using green onion, finely chop it now. It adds a wonderful aroma.
Step 7
Peel the tomatoes, remove the seeds, and finely dice them. If you prefer some texture, you can chop them slightly coarser. The tomatoes play a crucial role in reducing the saltiness of the ssamjang.
Step 8
Peel and finely dice the onion. This will add a touch of sweetness and texture.
Step 9
Add the diced tomatoes to the cooking pork and doenjang mixture. As the tomatoes cook down, their moisture will naturally help create a smoother, less salty ssamjang. Tomatoes are also packed with nutrients, making this an even healthier condiment.
Step 10
Now, add the diced onion and chopped green onion (if using) to the pan. Stir-fry everything together until the onion becomes translucent. Cooking over medium-low heat will help bring out the natural sweetness of the ingredients.
Step 11
Finally, drizzle in the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a glossy finish and nutty aroma. Give it a final stir, and your delicious ssamjang is ready!
Step 12
Tip: Feel free to add more tomatoes if you like! Increasing the amount of tomato will make the ssamjang even moister and less salty.
Step 13
Your homemade Tomato and Pork Ssamjang is now complete! Serve it generously with your favorite fresh lettuce wraps.
Step 14
During seasons when lettuce is abundant, a batch of homemade ssamjang like this will elevate your meals. Don’t forget to include it when making ssam (lettuce wraps).
Step 15
If you have any ssamjang left, it’s also wonderful served over a bowl of warm rice. It makes for a hearty and satisfying meal on its own.
