Pork, Tofu, and Onion Ssamjang
Delicious Pork, Tofu, and Onion Ssamjang Recipe Perfect for a Healthy Diet
Inspired by my father’s journey managing Type 2 diabetes, I’ve focused on reducing carbohydrate intake. This ‘Pork, Tofu, and Onion Ssamjang’ recipe is a testament to that effort. It’s incredibly satisfying when enjoyed with fresh leafy greens, making it an ideal choice for a low-carb diet. This flavorful and texturally rich ssamjang is a dish the whole family can enjoy. I’m excited to share this healthy recipe with you all.
Main Ingredients- 400g Pork Neck (with moderate fat)
- 1 block Tofu (approx. 300g)
- 1 medium Onion
- 4 Korean or hot chili peppers
- 3 Scallions (white parts primarily)
- Assorted fresh leafy greens for wraps (lettuce, perilla leaves, kale, etc.)
Seasoning Ingredients- 2 Tbsp Cooking oil
- 2 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (or cooking wine)
- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (or allulose)
- 4 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp Cooking oil
- 2 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (or cooking wine)
- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (or allulose)
- 4 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, finely chop the pork neck into bite-sized pieces, about the size of a tablespoon. Using a cut with moderate fat will result in a more savory flavor. Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped pork and stir-fry. Then, add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and 3 finely chopped scallions (mainly the white parts) and continue to sauté until fragrant.
Step 2
Once the pork has browned slightly, add 1 tablespoon of mirin, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir well to combine the ingredients and cook over medium heat. Ensure the heat isn’t too high at this stage, allowing the seasonings to penetrate the pork.
Step 3
As the pork turns a appetizing brown color, add 1 block of diced tofu. Gently mash and mix the tofu with the other ingredients as it cooks. The tofu will add a wonderful soft texture to the dish. Break up any clumps to ensure everything is evenly combined.
Step 4
Now, it’s time to add the key seasonings for the ssamjang’s rich flavor. Add 4 tablespoons of doenjang, 1 tablespoon of gochujang, and 1 tablespoon of gochugaru. Stir continuously over high heat, allowing the moisture to evaporate. Be sure to keep stirring to prevent the paste from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If you’re less comfortable with high heat, you can use medium heat and cook for a bit longer to avoid burning.
Step 5
Dice 1 onion into approximately 0.7cm cubes and finely chop 4 chili peppers. Add the prepared onion and chili peppers to the simmering ssamjang. Continue to sauté until the onions become translucent. The sweetness of the onions and the mild heat from the peppers will enhance the ssamjang’s overall flavor profile.
Step 6
(Tasting Tip) Try overlapping 2 perilla leaves and 2 kale leaves to create a wrap. Load it generously with the ssamjang, skipping the rice, and take a large bite. You’ll be met with a burst of rich flavor and perfectly balanced seasoning. This is the moment you’ll truly appreciate the deliciousness of this healthy diet food.
Step 7
Once all the ingredients have been well-stirred and most of the moisture has evaporated, leaving a thick, rich consistency, turn off the heat. If it’s too watery, the flavor won’t be concentrated, and it will be difficult to mix with rice. Aim for a good, spreadable texture.
Step 8
After turning off the heat, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds and drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over the mixture. Gently toss everything together to combine. Your delicious ‘Pork, Tofu, and Onion Ssamjang’ is now ready, perfectly balancing health and taste!
Step 9
This ssamjang pairs wonderfully with any fresh leafy greens. Choose from crisp lettuce, aromatic perilla leaves, or crunchy romaine lettuce according to your preference. Adding cucumber or carrot sticks on the side will provide an extra layer of crispness and freshness, making your meal even more satisfying and filling. It’s a great way to feel full and content while on a diet.
Step 10
For a hearty yet healthy meal, I highly recommend trying the ssamjang wrap diet using this recipe. My husband enjoyed his bowl of rice mixed with the ssamjang, while I savored my own diet meal by wrapping generous amounts of ssamjang in leafy greens without rice. This recipe is fantastic for limiting carbohydrate intake while still providing ample satisfaction and fullness.
