Ssamjang (Sauce for Korean Lettuce Wraps)
User Reviews
4.6
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
10 mins
-
Servings
4
-
Course
Side Dish, Condiments
-
Cuisine
Korean
Ssamjang (Sauce for Korean Lettuce Wraps)
Description
Ssamjang is a seasoned Korean condiment combining doenjang, a fermented soybean paste, with gochujang, a chili pepper paste, garlic, and sesame oil. The sauce can be prepared as a no-cook mix or as a cooked tuna variation where onions, scallions, and garlic are stir-fried before integrating canned tuna and the fermented pastes. The mixture is adjusted with sugar for sweetness and water or rice wine for consistency. The optional inclusion of chopped vegetables or nuts gives a crunch and fresh dimension, making it versatile in texture and flavor.
The flavor profile balances pungent fermented notes with bright chili heat and toasted sesame undertones, suitable for complementing grilled meats or fresh leafy vegetables. Its thick, paste-like consistency allows it to cling well when used as a wrap dipping sauce. The nuanced combination of ingredients can be tailored by adjusting sugar or chili amounts for preferred sweetness or spice.
You can serve ssamjang as a classic sauce for Korean lettuce wraps or as a condiment alongside barbecue dishes to enrich each bite. The tuna version offers a heartier option, adding protein and depth while maintaining the essential flavor balance. It is traditionally served at room temperature.
Substitutes for tuna include other canned fish or plant-based proteins like ground meat or crumbled tofu. Adjust thickness by varying water or rice wine quantities. Preparing the sautéed ingredients carefully ensures a well-rounded, cooked flavor when making the tuna variant.
Ingredients
For basic ssamjang (no-cook)
- 2 tablespoons doenjang Korean fermented soybean paste, 된장
- 1 tablespoon gochujang Korean red chili pepper paste, 고추장
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar or to taste, or honey or oligodang
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon water or use more for a desired thickness, or rice wine, to thin the sauce
Optional ingredients for no-cook ssamjang (use any or all of the listed ingredients)
- 1 tablespoon onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon scallions finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon green chili pepper finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon red chili pepper finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons nuts chopped (almonds, walnuts, peanuts, etc
For Tuna Ssamjang
- 1 tuna See note for other options, canned, about 5 ounces
- 2 tablespoons onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons scallions finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons doenjang Korean fermented soybean paste, 된장
- 1 tablespoon gochujang Korean red chili pepper paste, 고추장
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey or oligodang
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
Instructions
For basic ssamjang
- Combine all the ingredients and mix well until everything is well incorporated.
- If using optional ingredients, prepare the ingredients, combine and mix everything well.
For tuna ssamjang
- Preheat a small pan with a tablespoon of oil. Add the onion, scallion and garlic and stir fry until the onion is cooked.
- Add the tuna, doenjang, gochujang and the remaining ingredients. Stir well for a few minutes until everything is well incorporated. You can stir in some water or rice wine (or mirin) if the sauce seems dry (2 to 3 tablespoons).
Notes
- Substitute tuna with other canned fish, ground meat, or crushed tofu to vary texture and protein source.
- Adjust water or rice wine amount to achieve the desired sauce thickness.
- Optional finely chopped vegetables and nuts add crunch and freshness to the no-cook sauce.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
You'll Also Love
