Zesty Korean Ssamjang Recipe: Your Homemade Flavor Explosion

Korean ssamjang bursts with bold, tangy flavors that dance across your palate like a culinary adventure.

This robust dipping sauce brings traditional Korean barbecue to life with its complex blend of ingredients.

Fermented soybean paste and gochujang create a rich, spicy foundation that elevates any grilled meat or vegetable.

Chefs across Korea cherish this versatile condiment for its deep, umami-packed profile.

Each spoonful delivers a punch of heat and depth that transforms simple dishes into extraordinary meals.

The balance of savory, sweet, and spicy elements makes ssamjang a standout in Korean cuisine.

Prepare to unlock the secret to an authentic Korean flavor experience that will become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Best Ways to Serve Ssamjang with Meals

• Korean BBQ Companion: Perfect for grilling meats like bulgogi, pork belly, or beef short ribs. The creamy sauce adds rich, tangy flavor that complements charred proteins beautifully.
• Dipping Delight: Serve with crispy vegetable sticks, Korean pancakes (pajeon), or freshly steamed dumplings. The sauce transforms simple sides into exciting appetizers with its bold, creamy texture.
• Sandwich and Wrap Booster: Spread generously on sandwiches, wraps, or burgers for an instant Korean-inspired flavor upgrade. Its creamy consistency and spicy undertones elevate ordinary lunch items into gourmet experiences.
• Veggie Drizzle: Use as a quick dressing for roasted vegetables, salads, or grain bowls. The ssamjang adds depth and complexity, turning plain vegetables into a mouth-watering side dish that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Keeping Ssamjang Ready in the Fridge

• Store the creamy ssamjang in an airtight container within the refrigerator, keeping it fresh for 5-7 days. The sealed environment prevents bacterial growth and maintains its robust flavor profile.
• Minimize exposure to air by pressing plastic wrap directly onto the sauce's surface before sealing the container. This method reduces oxidation and helps retain the sauce's vibrant taste and creamy consistency.
• Consider dividing the ssamjang into smaller serving-sized containers before refrigerating. This strategy allows you to thaw only the amount needed, preventing repeated temperature changes that could compromise quality.
• Always return the sauce to the refrigerator within two hours of preparation. Cold storage below 40°F ensures optimal taste, prevents potential spoilage, and maintains the delicate balance of fermented ingredients like doenjang and gochujang.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Creamy Korean Ssamjang?

The key ingredients are doenjang (fermented soybean paste), gochujang (Korean chili paste), mayonnaise, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and optional garlic.

• Is this ssamjang different from traditional ssamjang?

Yes, this version is creamier due to the addition of mayonnaise, which gives it a smoother, richer texture compared to the traditional recipe.

• How spicy is this ssamjang?

The spice level depends on the amount of gochujang used. You can adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the gochujang quantity to suit your taste preferences.

• Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this ssamjang and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, allowing the flavors to meld and develop even more depth.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 5 minutes

Calories: 95 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Korean Ssamjang

• Doenjang: Fermented soybean paste that brings deep, umami-rich flavor and authentic Korean character to the sauce.
• Gochujang: Spicy Korean chili paste that adds vibrant heat and complex depth to the creamy mixture.
• Sesame Oil: Provides a nutty, aromatic essence that elevates the overall flavor profile.

• Mayonnaise: Creates luxuriously smooth texture and adds subtle tangy richness to the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar, Apple Cider Vinegar: Introduces bright, sharp acidity that balances the richness of other ingredients.
• Honey, Sugar: Softens the intense flavors with a gentle sweetness, rounding out the taste.
• Garlic: Brings sharp, pungent notes that intensify the sauce's savory character.

• Sesame Seeds: Offer delightful crunch and toasty flavor that complements the creamy base.
• Scallions: Provide fresh, green brightness and a mild oniony note to brighten the overall presentation.

Tools to Mix Korean Ssamjang Smoothly

• Small mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing all ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring spoons: Perfect for accurately adding vinegar, honey, and sesame oil.
• Spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and blending the ssamjang mixture until creamy.
• Cutting board: Helpful for chopping garlic and scallions for garnish.
• Sharp knife: Needed for finely mincing garlic and slicing scallions.

Making Ssamjang with a Twist

• Create Flavor Base

Grab a small bowl and mix doenjang and gochujang until they form a rich, harmonious blend. The combination will create a deep, complex foundation for your sauce.

• Whip in Creamy Goodness

Splash in mayonnaise and stir until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth texture. Play with the mayo quantity to reach your desired creaminess level.

• Balance and Brighten

Add a splash of vinegar to wake up the flavors and introduce a subtle tangy note. For those who enjoy a hint of sweetness, drizzle in a touch of honey.

• Amplify with Aromatics

Mince fresh garlic and fold it into the sauce, unleashing an intense burst of savory depth that elevates the entire condiment.

• Dress and Impress

Sprinkle sesame seeds and finely chopped scallions on top for a gorgeous finishing touch that adds crunch and visual appeal.

• Enjoy Your Creation

Your creamy ssamjang is ready! Pair it with grilled meats, use as a vibrant dip, or get creative with how you incorporate this flavor-packed sauce.

Add-Ins to Elevate This Bold Condiment

• Whisk ingredients thoroughly to eliminate any mayo lumps, creating a silky-smooth consistency that coats foods beautifully.
• Control the heat level by varying the amount of gochujang – less for mild, more for a spicier kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Swap traditional mayonnaise with vegan mayo or Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier alternative that keeps the creamy texture intact.
• Prepare ssamjang up to 3-4 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and intensify over time.
• Keep the sauce fresh by placing plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing the container, preventing air exposure and maintaining optimal taste and texture.

Spicy Korean Ssamjang Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy Korean Ssamjang sauce blends traditional Korean flavors with modern culinary techniques. Rich umami notes complement grilled meats and vegetable wraps, offering a delightful experience for adventurous palates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tbsps (30 ml) doenjang
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) gochujang
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) mayonnaise or sour cream
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey
• 1 tsp (5 ml) rice vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame seeds, toasted
• Water (as needed, for thinning)

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Instructions

1. Flavor Fusion: Whisk doenjang and gochujang in a mixing bowl until a uniform, rich base develops, melding the intense fermented and spicy Korean condiment characteristics.
2. Texture Enhancement: Drizzle sesame oil and mayonnaise into the paste, stirring continuously to create a smooth, luxuriously creamy texture that softens bold underlying flavors while maintaining depth.
3. Aromatic Elevation: Mince fresh garlic and fold into the mixture, then add a splash of rice vinegar to brighten the sauce, introducing a tangy dimension that cuts through the richness.
4. Finishing Touch: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped scallions to add a delicate crunch and visual appeal, transforming the ssamjang into a vibrant, multi-dimensional condiment ready to accompany grilled meats or serve as a dynamic dipping sauce.

Notes

• Balance Flavor Intensity: Adjust doenjang and gochujang ratios to control spiciness and saltiness, ensuring a harmonious blend that suits personal taste preferences.
• Achieve Smooth Consistency: Whisk ingredients thoroughly and slowly incorporate mayonnaise to prevent separation and create a silky, even texture.
• Enhance Aromatic Depth: Finely mince garlic for maximum flavor distribution and let the mixture rest briefly to allow ingredients to meld and develop complex taste profiles.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute mayonnaise with vegan alternatives like cashew cream or tofu-based spread to make the ssamjang suitable for plant-based diets while maintaining creamy richness.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 95
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 575 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg