Korean•quick

Ssamjang (Sauce for Korean Lettuce Wraps)

Ssamjang is a Korean sauce for lettuce wraps. Learn how to make a basic ssam sauce and a variation made with canned tuna.

Ingredients

Quantities are shown as originally provided.

2 tablespoons doenjang 된장 (Korean fermented soy bean paste)
1 tablespoon gochujang 고추장 (Korean red chili pepper paste)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 tablespoon sugar (or honey or oligodang) (or to taste)
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon water or rice wine to thin the sauce (or use more for a desired thickness )
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon finely chopped scallion
1/2 tablespoon finely chopped green chili pepper
1/2 tablespoon finely chopped red chili pepper
2 tablespoons chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, peanuts, etc.)
1 can tuna (about 5 ounces) (See note for other options)
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped scallion
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons doenjang 된장 (Korean fermented soy bean paste)
1 tablespoon gochujang 고추장 (Korean red chili pepper paste)
1 tablespoon sugar (or honey or oligodang)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
1 tablespoon cooking oil

1
Combine all the ingredients and mix well until everything is well incorporated.
2
If using optional ingredients, prepare the ingredients, combine and mix everything well.
3
Preheat a small pan with a tablespoon of oil. Add the onion, scallion and garlic and stir fry until the onion is cooked.
4
Add the tuna, doenjang, gochujang and the remaining ingredients. Stir well for a few minutes until everything is well incorporated. You can stir in some water or rice wine (or mirin) if the sauce seems dry (2 to 3 tablespoons).