Ssamjang (쌈장) is a thick, flavorful Korean dipping sauce made by mixing two fermented pastes—doenjang (soybean paste) and gochujang (chili paste)—with garlic, sesame oil, and sometimes a touch of sugar or honey. It’s the signature sauce for Korean BBQ, especially when you're wrapping grilled meat in lettuce or perilla leaves—what Koreans call ssam. In Korean cuisine, ssamjang is often used the way ranch dressing is in the West—as a flavorful dip for raw vegetables or a perfect match for meat.
In Korean cuisine, ssamjang is often used the way ranch dressing is in the West—as a flavorful dip for raw vegetables or a perfect match for meat.
What Does Ssamjang Taste Like?
Ssamjang is bold, savory, and well-balanced. It’s slightly salty, mildly spicy, with rich umami flavors from the fermented pastes. Sesame oil and garlic give it a nutty and aromatic finish. Unlike gochujang, which can be too sweet or spicy on its own, ssamjang is mellow enough to highlight the flavor of grilled meats without overpowering them.
How Do Koreans Use Ssamjang?
Traditionally, Koreans use ssamjang as the essential condiment for ssam—bite-sized wraps made with fresh greens and grilled meats. Here's how to make your own:
- Grab a fresh lettuce or perilla leaf.
- Add a piece of grilled pork belly or beef brisket.
- Scoop a small dab of ssamjang.
- Add garlic, sliced chili, or grilled mushrooms if you like.
- Wrap and eat in one satisfying bite.
Ssamjang vs. Gochujang: What’s the Difference?
Gochujang is a sweet and spicy red chili paste used in cooking, while ssamjang is a ready-to-eat dipping sauce. Ssamjang blends gochujang with doenjang, making it deeper in flavor, less sweet, and more savory. If gochujang is your bold solo artist, ssamjang is the perfect band—well-rounded and collaborative.
Where to Buy or How to Make Ssamjang
Ssamjang is widely available in Korean grocery stores and online, with brands like CJ, Sempio, and Chung Jung One. If you want to make your own, here’s a simple recipe:
- 2 tablespoons doenjang
- 1 tablespoon gochujang
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon sugar or honey
- (Optional) chopped onion or chili pepper for added texture
- Mix everything in a small bowl until smooth. Store in the fridge and enjoy with BBQ, raw veggies, or even a simple rice ball.
Final Thoughts
Ssamjang isn’t just a condiment—it’s a cultural staple that brings balance to the boldness of Korean BBQ. Whether you’re grilling at home or dining out, don’t skip the ssamjang. One little scoop might just change the way you enjoy meat forever.
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