Homemade Ssamjang & Cabbage Wraps
How to Make Delicious Ssamjang with Fresh Cabbage and Perilla Leaf Wraps
This is the season when various leafy greens are abundant! Whether it’s lettuce from your garden or crunchy cabbage wraps, any wrap is a fantastic home-cooked meal when paired with delicious ssamjang. Elevate your meals with this flavorful homemade dipping sauce.
Ssamjang Ingredients- 2 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste)
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 small onion
- 2 Cheongyang peppers (or other hot peppers)
- 1/4 large green onion
- 2 Tbsp sunflower seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 small can tuna (drained)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare one small can of tuna. Make sure to drain out all the oil from the can before use.
Step 2
Finely mince all the vegetables for the ssamjang: the onion, Cheongyang peppers, and green onion. Mincing the vegetables very finely will result in a smoother texture and a more harmonious flavor in your ssamjang.
Step 3
Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium heat. Add the minced green onion and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Sautéing the green onion first deepens the overall flavor of the ssamjang.
Step 4
Once the green onion is softened, add the minced onion and Cheongyang peppers to the pan. Continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes tender and translucent.
Step 5
Now it’s time to add the star ingredients: doenjang and gochujang. Add 2 tablespoons of doenjang and 2 tablespoons of gochujang to the pan. Stir well with the sautéed vegetables and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Roasting the pastes helps to mellow out any harshness and enhance their savory notes.
Step 6
After sautéing the pastes and vegetables, add the drained tuna and 2 tablespoons of sunflower seeds. Finally, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir everything together until well combined and cook for another minute. The sunflower seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, while the tuna contributes richness. Your delicious homemade ssamjang is now complete!
Step 7
Once cooled, transfer the ssamjang to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Homemade ssamjang stays fresh for a good while and is perfect for enjoying delicious wraps anytime.
Step 8
Spring and early summer bring an abundance of fresh greens like lettuce and various other wrap-friendly vegetables. With just some fresh greens and this flavorful homemade ssamjang, you can create a satisfying and healthy meal without needing many side dishes. Enjoy a wonderful table setting!
Step 9
We’ve also prepared some tender cabbage wraps to complement the ssamjang. The natural sweetness of the steamed cabbage paired with the savory ssamjang is truly delightful.
Step 10
Here’s a simple way to prepare the cabbage wraps: Wash the cabbage leaves thoroughly. Place them in a microwave-safe plastic bag, ensuring the bag is sealed but not airtight (you can leave a small opening or poke a few holes with a fork). Microwave for about 3 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and slightly softened from the steam. This method creates perfectly steamed and pliable cabbage wraps.
