Also known as Korean BBQ dipping sauce, this spicy-sweet condiment is perfect for all kinds of grilled meats and veggies.
Known for its full-bodied umami flavor in a base of savory fermented soybean and hot chili paste, this sauce goes great with almost any Asian dish, from sushi and stir-fry to classic Korean barbecue. Whether you’re pouring it over roasted veggies, grilled meat, or steamy fried rice, there’s a little something in this sauce for everyone.
While this sauce is strong enough on its own, you can also add some finely chopped walnuts (a common Korean addition) or even swap the doenjang for Japanese miso paste. Whether you dress it up or dress it down, you’ll want to start pouring this sauce over all kinds of dishes, from rice and noodles to wraps and salads. It’s a great way to introduce more Asian flavors to your kitchen creations.
Is Ssamjang Sauce Healthy?
Sauces such as this one aren’t really meant to be healthy; their purpose is to add flavor to food. However, this homemade version is probably better than store-bought BBQ sauces because there’s no added sugar, preservatives, or excess sodium. Plus, sesame seeds aren’t just delicious, they’re also nutritious, offering calcium, iron and magnesium.
What Is Ssamjang?
Ssamjang literally translates to “paste for wraps” and is traditionally used with lettuce wraps or perilla leaf wraps. The word ssam refers to the method of wrapping foods in these leaves and is a practice that dates back centuries. The sauce, made from gochujang and doenjang, enhances the umami flavor of grilled meats and many other foods. Ssam embodies the communal eating that is so important in Korean culture, making this sauce a testament to the beauty of sharing a meal with friends and family.
How To Make Ahead And Store
If you keep it in an airtight container or jar in the fridge, this sauce will last for up to 2 weeks. After the first week, just make sure to sniff it occasionally to ensure it’s still fresh. If you use fresh sesame seeds, this shouldn’t be a problem, but it’s good to keep an eye (or nose) on it anyway. I don’t recommend freezing it, as thawing can ruin its smooth texture and rich flavor.
Serving Suggestions
For a handheld classic that makes the taste buds tingle, drizzle this sauce over some Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps. It’s also a great marinade for Beef And Broccoli—way better than takeout.
Craving more green, hydrating veggies? Use this sauce as a dressing for Korean Cucumber Salad and spice it to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup doenjang Korean fermented soybean paste
- 2 tablespoons gochujang Korean chili paste
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine doenjang, gochujang, sesame oil, and honey.
- Add minced garlic to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Stir in the sliced green onions and sesame seeds, mixing thoroughly. Use immediately or refrigerate for later use.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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