Kelp Ssamjang (Fermented Soybean Paste)
No Other Side Dish Needed! Baek Jong Won’s Delicious Kelp Ssamjang Recipe
Last year around this time, ‘Matnamui Gwangjang’ introduced this amazing Kelp Ssamjang! When your appetite is low during the hot summer, just a dollop of this ssamjang mixed with rice makes a complete meal in no time ♥ You won’t need any other side dishes! Enjoy this recipe from ‘Everything About Recipes’ and ‘10000recipe’ that guarantees a delicious and satisfying meal.
Main Ingredients- 140g Ssam-kelp (salted kelp)
- 1/4 Zucchini
- 1/2 Onion
- 1/2 Green onion stalk
- 1 Korean chili pepper (Cheongyang chili)
- 1 Red chili pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, it’s important to remove the salt from the Ssam-kelp. Soak the Ssam-kelp in cold water for about 10 minutes or longer to gently rinse off the salt. This will reduce the saltiness of the kelp and allow it to meld well with the ssamjang.
Step 2
Prepare the vegetables for cooking. Finely chop the kelp into bite-sized pieces. Mince the zucchini and onion finely. Also, finely mince the Korean chili pepper for a spicy kick, and thinly slice the green onion for aromatic flavor. Having all ingredients prepped makes the cooking process much smoother.
Step 3
Now, let’s start stir-frying! Lightly grease a preheated pan with oil. Add the prepared kelp, minced zucchini, onion, and Korean chili pepper. Stir-fry over medium-low heat until the vegetables soften and the kelp releases its aroma. Cooking it slowly allows the flavors to develop.
Step 4
Once the vegetables are partially cooked, it’s time to add the seasonings. Add the gochugaru for color and a touch of sugar for sweetness. Incorporate the minced garlic for a garlicky fragrance. Add the sliced green onion and red chili pepper for a mix of textures and colors, and stir-fry everything together. Be mindful of the heat to prevent burning.
Step 5
Essential ingredients for the deep flavor of the ssamjang are added next. Generously add the doenjang and mix in the gochujang for an umami boost. Stir-fry over low heat, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the pan, until the pastes are well combined. This cooking process reduces any bitterness from the doenjang and enhances its savory notes.
Step 6
Finally, turn off the heat and drizzle in the sesame oil. Stir well to combine. The nutty aroma of the sesame oil will spread throughout the ssamjang, further enhancing its flavor. Your delicious Kelp Ssamjang is now ready! Serve it over hot rice for a delightful meal, or enjoy it with fresh lettuce wraps for a refreshing bite.
