Homemade Ssamjang Upgrade
Don’t just eat plain ssamjang! Make delicious ssamjang at home with this simple recipe.
Elevate your ordinary ssamjang with a simple twist! This recipe adds layers of flavor with minimal effort, perfect for enhancing your home-cooked meals. It’s not just for lettuce wraps; it’s a fantastic side dish for rice too.
Main Ingredients
- 1 container store-bought Ssamjang
- 2 chili peppers (adjust to spice preference)
- 2 onions (medium-sized)
Ssamjang Seasoning
- 3 Tbsp perilla oil
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Onion Salad Dressing
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 4 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp perilla seed powder
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
- 3 Tbsp perilla oil
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Onion Salad Dressing
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 4 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp perilla seed powder
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the onions for the onion salad. Peel the two onions, wash them thoroughly under running water, and then thinly slice them into julienne strips. Cutting them finely like noodles will help them absorb the dressing better, making them even more delicious.
Step 2
Next, prepare the chili peppers. Wash them, remove the stems, and finely chop them. This recipe uses two peppers, suitable for families with children. If you prefer more heat and are serving adults, feel free to add more spicy peppers. For a spicier kick, consider adding 3-4 peppers.
Step 3
Get a bowl ready and add the entire container of store-bought ssamjang. Using a wide bowl will make it easier to mix the ingredients without them spilling.
Step 4
Add perilla oil to the ssamjang to enhance its flavor. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of perilla oil evenly over the ssamjang. The nutty aroma of the perilla oil will further enrich the deep flavor of the ssamjang.
Step 5
Add the chopped chili peppers to the ssamjang. Toss them into the bowl with the ssamjang and mix well. They will add a pleasant spiciness and texture.
Step 6
Add 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean chili powder) to the ssamjang. This will improve the color and add a mild spiciness. Adjust the amount according to your preference.
Step 7
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the ssamjang. Using freshly minced garlic will release a richer aroma, enhancing the umami of the ssamjang. One tablespoon is a good amount.
Step 8
Now, thoroughly mix all the ingredients for the ssamjang seasoning until well combined. Use a spatula or spoon to mix gently, ensuring there are no lumps. Once this initial seasoning is done, transfer the ssamjang to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
Step 9
Next, let’s make the onion salad. To the julienned onions prepared earlier, add all the ingredients for the onion salad dressing: 2 tablespoons of gochugaru, 4 tablespoons of vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of perilla seed powder, and finally, 1 tablespoon of perilla oil. Mix everything together gently. It’s best to mix only lightly so the onions don’t become too soft. This onion salad is wonderful served on top of the ssamjang or alongside your lettuce wraps!
