Busan-Style Speciality! Sundae Ssamjang Perfect for a Late-Night Snack
Simple Sundae Ssamjang Recipe & How to Perfectly Steam Frozen Sundae
Are you wondering what to eat when hunger strikes late at night? If you’re looking for a simple yet incredibly delicious late-night snack, then pay attention to today’s Busan-style Sundae Ssamjang recipe and the method for steaming frozen sundae to perfection. In the Busan region, it’s common to dip freshly steamed sundae into ssamjang (a savory dipping sauce). The combination of savory and salty flavors is truly delightful. Since frozen sundae is already pre-cooked, all you need to do is thaw it and steam it gently. This recipe is easy to follow and results in a fantastic appetizer or snack.
Ingredients for Sundae and Ssamjang- 1 pack frozen sundae (approx. 300g-400g)
- 0.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp red pepper paste (gochujang)
- 1 Tbsp soybean paste (doenjang)
- 1 Tbsp oligo syrup (or honey)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thawing the frozen sundae is an important first step. Keep the sundae pack sealed and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes. This allows the sundae to thaw naturally and become moist inside.
Step 2
Once thawed, carefully remove the vacuum-sealed packaging. Then, place the sundae in a steamer and steam for about 5 minutes until warmed through. This steaming process helps restore the chewy texture of the sundae. (Cooking times may vary by product, so it’s best to refer to the instructions on the packaging for the recommended cooking time.)
Step 3
Now it’s time to slice the steamed sundae. Place the sundae on a clean cutting board and use a knife to cut it into bite-sized pieces. Avoid slicing it too thinly, as this can cause the sundae to become dry or burst. Slicing it to about 1 to 1.5 cm thickness is recommended for the best texture.
Step 4
It’s time to make the sundae ssamjang! In a bowl, combine 0.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes, 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp red pepper paste, 1 Tbsp soybean paste, 1 Tbsp oligo syrup, and 1 Tbsp sesame oil. If you prefer it spicier, you can add finely chopped Cheongyang peppers or adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.
Step 5
Mix all the ssamjang ingredients thoroughly with a spoon. Ensure the soybean paste and red pepper paste are smoothly combined without any lumps. Once made, store this sundae ssamjang in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and you can enjoy it for several days, making it even more convenient.
Step 6
Slice the warm, steamed sundae and serve it with the delicious homemade ssamjang. The combination of chewy sundae and flavorful ssamjang will be fantastic!
Step 7
Tip: When making the ssamjang, you can use honey or a small amount of sugar instead of oligo syrup for sweetness. Using perilla oil instead of sesame oil will offer a different aroma and flavor.
Step 8
Tip: When steaming the sundae, adding a little soju or cooking wine to the steaming water can help remove any unwanted odors.
