Ssamjang is an essential part of Korean BBQ, and you can easily make your own with basic Korean ingredients in under 5 minutes. This delicious dipping sauce adds a unique flavor to your meal and is a must-try for any fan of Korean cuisine.

A bowl of ssamjang is presented with a lid on the side.

Want to take your Korean BBQ to the next level? Look no further than ssamjang! This easy-to-make dipping sauce is a must-have condiment for any Korean BBQ feast or healthy Korean wraps.

You can whip up a delicious batch with this recipe in less than 5 minutes using basic Korean ingredients. Don’t miss out on this essential component of the Korean cuisine experience!

A basket is filled with ssamjang, various lettuce and vegetables, and rice.

What is Ssamjang?

The name “ssamjang” literally means “wrapped condiment,” which refers to its common use as a dipping sauce for Korean wraps or lettuce wraps, known as ssam (쌈) and Ssambap (쌈밥).

Ssamjang is a must-have dipping sauce for Korean BBQ, especially samgyupsal (BBQ pork belly), adding a tasty and distinctive flavor to the meat and vegetables. Pa Muchim, a Korean green onion salad, is often served alongside ssamjang and completes the meal perfectly.

Without these condiments, the BBQ experience just wouldn’t be the same!

The flavor is complex and savory, with a balance of salty, sweet, and spicy notes. The fermented bean paste(doenjang, 된장) gives it a deep umami flavor, while the chili paste (gochujang, 고추장) provides heat and a slightly sweet taste. The addition of garlic and sesame oil gives the sauce a fragrant and nutty aroma.

The sauce is typically made by mixing together soybean paste (doenjang) and chili paste (gochujang), along with other ingredients such as garlic and sesame oil.

The ratio of doenjang to gochujang can vary depending on personal preference, but my favorite ratio is 2:1.

A bowl of ssamjang is placed on a blue napkin.

Why make it homemade?

While you can buy ssamjang in Korean grocery stores, it’s also easy to make at home with basic Korean ingredients, especially if you already have them on hand. Making it yourself allows you to customize the recipe to your taste and create a sauce that perfectly suits your palate.

So, if you’re looking to try something new or want a personalized sauce, making homemade ssamjang is definitely worth a try!

Ssamjang uses

Ssamjang is served with Korean bbq pork belly and various lettuce.

Ssamjang is a versatile sauce that has many uses. In addition to being a tasty ssam sauce for dipping, it can be used as a base for stew or a topping for grilled meats or vegetables.

It is also often used as a condiment for rice bowls, noodles, and other Korean dishes. It’s a tasty and handy sauce to have in your kitchen!

If you’re curious about what dishes pair well with ssamjang, here are a few options to consider:

Ingredient list

Ingredients for making ssamjang sauce are presented.
  • Korean soybean paste (doenjang)
  • Korean chili paste (gochujang
  • garlic: finely minced
  • sweet rice wine (mirin)
  • sugar: or honey
  • sesame oil
  • toasted sesame seeds

How to make ssamjang

In a small mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.

Recipe Note: To give your ssamjang an extra kick, you can add chopped green onions, green chilies, or even walnuts. This will add more flavor and texture to the sauce and make it even fancier. Give it a try and see how you like it!

Shelf life

Homemade ssamjang typically lasts 2-3 weeks in the fridge if kept in an airtight container. Store-bought ssamjang may have preservatives to extend its shelf life, so check the label for instructions and expiration dates.

A dollop of ssamjang is placed on top of rice and vegetables.
A bowl of ssamjang is presented with a lid on the side.

Homemade Ssamjang (Korean Dipping Sauce)

Make your own delicious ssamjang in under 5 minutes with basic Korean ingredients – an essential and unique addition to any Korean BBQ meal.
5 from 1 rating

Ingredients

Instructions 

  • In a small mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
  • Homemade ssamjang typically lasts 2-3 weeks in the fridge if kept in an airtight container.
  • Note: To give your ssamjang an extra kick, you can add chopped green onions, green chilies, or even walnuts. This will add more flavor and texture to the sauce and make it even fancier.
  • Dishes that pair well with ssamjang: Bossam, Samgyupsal (Korean BBQ pork belly), Beef Bulgogi (Korean marinated beef), Ssambap (Korean lettuce wrap), Galbi (Korean BBQ ribs).
Calories: 50kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 0.4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 168mg, Potassium: 54mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 8IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 12mg, Iron: 0.2mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @beyondkimchee on Instagram. I love to see your masterpiece.