Spam Ssamjang (Fermented Soybean Paste with Spam)
Making a Rich and Flavorful Ssamjang with Crumbled Spam
This is a staple for summer lettuce wraps! A delicious ssamjang is key to a great wrap, and adding spam elevates its depth and flavor significantly. This Spam Ssamjang is so delicious, it’s perfect for mixing into rice as well.
Ingredients- Spam, 100g (adjust amount to your preference)
- Doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste), 1 Tbsp
- Onion, 1/2 medium
- Red chili pepper, 1
- Green onion, 1 stalk (white part preferred)
- Cooking wine (Mirin or similar), 1 Tbsp (optional)
- Perilla oil or sesame oil, 2 Tbsp
- Sugar, 1/2 Tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Minced garlic, 1 Tbsp (optional, for extra flavor)
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The amount of Spam can be adjusted to your liking. Adding too much might make it feel a bit rich or greasy, so consider this when deciding on the quantity. Aim for a balance that complements the other flavors.
Step 2
Place the Spam into a plastic bag or a resealable bag. Use your hands to mash and crumble the Spam into small pieces. This helps the Spam flavor distribute evenly throughout the ssamjang and creates a pleasant texture.
Step 3
Prepare the vegetables for added flavor and texture. Finely chop the onion. Remove the seeds from the red chili pepper and chop it finely. Slice the white part of the green onion into small pieces. If you like a bit of heat, you can also add a chopped green chili pepper or Korean chili pepper (cheongyang pepper).
Step 4
Start by sautéing the harder vegetables. Heat the perilla oil (or sesame oil) in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced green onions and sauté until they become fragrant, releasing their aroma. This step really builds the foundational flavor for your ssamjang.
Step 5
Once the green onions are fragrant, add the chopped onion and red chili pepper to the pan. Sauté until the onions become translucent and soft. Then, add the crumbled Spam and minced garlic (if using). Stir-fry everything together until well combined and slightly browned, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 6
Cooking wine (like Mirin) is optional but can help enhance the overall flavor and reduce any potential ‘canned’ taste from the Spam. If you have it, add 1 tablespoon and stir-fry it in. If not, feel free to skip this step.
Step 7
Now, it’s time to add the Doenjang. Add 1 tablespoon of Doenjang to the pan and mix it well with the sautéed ingredients. You’ll notice that the vegetables and Spam release moisture, creating a thick, rich consistency without needing to add extra water. Stir in 1/2 tablespoon of sugar to balance the saltiness and add a touch of sweetness. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Finally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty finish. Your delicious Spam Ssamjang is ready to enjoy!
