Heavenly Creamy Korean Ssamjang Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Spicy aromas of authentic korean ssamjang dance through my kitchen, beckoning taste buds to an adventure.

My grandmother’s secret recipe whispers stories of rich, complex flavors waiting to unfold.

Smooth, intense condiments like this connect us to culinary traditions passed through generations.

Small spoonfuls pack unexpected depth that surprises even seasoned food enthusiasts.

Traditional ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a sauce that complements grilled meats perfectly.

Robust chile peppers and fermented soybeans craft an unforgettable experience you’ll want to savor.

Dive into this delectable journey that promises to make your next meal extraordinary.

Why People Crave Korean Ssamjang

• Whip up this creamy Korean sauce in under 5 minutes with just a few simple ingredients, making it incredibly fast and easy for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Use as a dipping sauce, spread, or condiment for grilled meats, vegetables, and snacks, transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences with its rich, complex taste profile.
• Adjust mayonnaise quantity to control thickness and richness, allowing personal preference to shine through while maintaining the authentic Korean flavor foundation.
• Works perfectly for casual gatherings, game nights, Korean BBQ parties, and family dinners, appealing to both adventurous and traditional eaters with its approachable yet exciting taste.

Ingredients for Making Korean Ssamjang

• Doenjang: Rich fermented soybean paste that provides a deep umami flavor, core to Korean cuisine.
• Gochujang: Spicy Korean chili paste adding heat and complex flavor profile.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty oil that enhances overall taste and provides authentic Korean seasoning.

• Mayonnaise: Smooth element creating creamy texture and mild richness.
• Rice Vinegar, Apple Cider Vinegar: Acidic ingredients for balancing and brightening flavors.

• Garlic: Pungent aromatic that adds depth and traditional Korean seasoning.
• Honey, Sugar: Sweet ingredients for optional flavor balancing.

• Sesame Seeds, Scallions: Crunchy and fresh toppings that provide visual appeal and additional texture.

Instructions for Preparing Korean Ssamjang

Step 1: Mix Base Flavor Powerhouse

• Doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
• Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• Sesame oil

In a small mixing bowl, blend these ingredients until they create a harmonious, rich base that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Create Silky Smooth Texture

Add mayonnaise to transform the mixture into a luxuriously creamy sauce. Stir thoroughly until the consistency becomes perfectly velvety and uniform.

Step 3: Balance Flavor Complexity

Splash in rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar to introduce a tangy brightness. For those who love a hint of sweetness, drizzle honey or sprinkle sugar to round out the flavor profile.

Step 4: Boost Aromatic Intensity

Mince fresh garlic and fold it into the mixture. This secret ingredient will elevate the sauce from delicious to absolutely irresistible, adding a robust depth that’ll make everyone crave more.

Step 5: Add Gorgeous Finishing Touches

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions on top. These garnishes will not only make your ssamjang look stunning but also provide an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Culinary Masterpiece

Your creamy Korean ssamjang is ready to rock! Serve alongside grilled meats, use as a dazzling dip for vegetables, or get creative and incorporate it into your favorite dishes.

Helpful Tips for Better Korean Ssamjang

• Adjust Creaminess Wisely: Control the sauce's texture by gradually adding mayonnaise, stopping when you reach your preferred consistency without overwhelming the original Korean paste flavors.
• Balance Vinegar Carefully: Use rice vinegar sparingly to enhance tanginess without masking the robust doenjang and gochujang profile, adding just enough to brighten the overall taste.
• Customize Sweetness Levels: Experiment with honey or sugar amounts to personalize the sauce, keeping the traditional Korean flavor intact while suiting your palate.
• Elevate Garlic Impact: Finely mince fresh garlic for maximum flavor distribution, ensuring even blending and preventing sharp raw garlic chunks in the creamy sauce.
• Store Smartly: Refrigerate leftover ssamjang in an airtight container for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify while maintaining optimal freshness and texture.

Storing and Reheating Korean Ssamjang Leftovers

• Store the creamy ssamjang in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. The cold temperature helps preserve the sauce's fresh flavors and creamy texture.
• Before storing, give the sauce a quick stir to maintain its smooth consistency and prevent ingredients from separating.
• When ready to use, let the ssamjang sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. If needed, warm it briefly in the microwave using short 5-second intervals, stirring between each burst.
• Inspect the sauce for any unusual smell or color changes before reusing. Discard if it shows signs of spoilage or loses its original vibrant appearance.

Best Flavors to Serve With Korean Ssamjang

• Juicy Korean barbecue like bulgogi or samgyeopsal perfectly complement the creamy, tangy ssamjang, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Crisp cucumber side dish balances the sauce's rich, spicy profile, providing a refreshing contrast and cleansing the palate between bites.
• Chilled soju cuts through the creamy texture, its clean, mild alcohol taste enhancing the sauce's complex flavor layers while providing a traditional Korean dining experience.
• Fluffy, neutral rice acts as an ideal canvas, absorbing the ssamjang's bold flavors and helping to moderate its intense spiciness.

New Variations to Try With Korean Ssamjang

Vegan Korean Ssamjang: Replace mayonnaise with silken tofu or vegan mayonnaise, ensuring a creamy texture while keeping the recipe plant-based.

Low-Sodium Korean Ssamjang: Use reduced-sodium doenjang and limit added salt, creating a heart-friendly version that preserves authentic flavor.

Spicy Korean Ssamjang: Add extra gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or increase gochujang quantity for a fiery, intense sauce that kicks up the heat.

Herb-Infused Korean Ssamjang: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil to introduce a bright, aromatic dimension to the traditional recipe.

Creamy Korean Ssamjang Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ssamjang brings Korean street food magic right into home kitchens, blending spicy and savory flavors in an irresistible dip. Barbecue enthusiasts and flavor seekers will discover a perfect companion that elevates grilled meats and fresh vegetables with authentic Korean zest.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) mayonnaise or sour cream

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey (or sugar)
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) rice vinegar (optional, for a tangy touch)
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced

Garnish and Texture:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) finely chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) toasted sesame seeds
• Water (as needed, for thinning)

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Instructions

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together doenjang and gochujang until a uniform, rich base develops, releasing the intense fermented and spicy flavor profiles.
2. Drizzle sesame oil into the paste, stirring continuously to create a smooth, glossy consistency that helps meld the Korean condiment’s robust characteristics.
3. Gradually incorporate mayonnaise, blending carefully to transform the mixture into a luxuriously creamy texture that softens the bold underlying flavors.
4. Introduce a splash of rice vinegar to brighten the sauce, cutting through the richness and adding a subtle tangy dimension that elevates the overall taste.
5. Mince fresh garlic cloves and fold them into the mixture, allowing their pungent aroma to infuse the ssamjang with an additional layer of savory complexity.
6. Optional: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped scallions across the surface for a decorative touch and delicate crunch that complements the sauce’s creamy base.
7. Transfer the finished ssamjang to a serving bowl, ready to accompany grilled meats, act as a vibrant dipping sauce, or enhance various Korean-inspired dishes with its multifaceted flavor profile.

Notes

• Experiment with different mayo types like Japanese Kewpie or Greek yogurt for unique creaminess and tang.
• Adjust spice levels by modifying gochujang quantity, making it mild or extra fiery based on personal heat tolerance.
• Toast sesame seeds lightly before garnishing to amplify their nutty, aromatic profile and enhance overall flavor complexity.
• Store leftover ssamjang in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg