Are you a fan of bold and fiery flavors? Look no further! Ssamjang, a traditional Korean dipping sauce, has taken the culinary world by storm with its addictive blend of spices, garlic, and ginger. And today, we’re thrilled to share 18 mouth-watering recipes that will take your love for spicy food to the next level.
From classic wraps and bowls to innovative twists on international dishes, these ssamjang creations are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Whether you’re a seasoned Korean food enthusiast or just looking to spice up your meal routine, this list has got you covered.
In the following pages, we’ll dive into a world of flavor and heat as we explore some of the most delicious ssamjang recipes out there. So, grab a napkin, get ready to sweat, and let’s embark on this culinary adventure together!
Spicy Pork Belly Ssamjang Wraps
This Korean-inspired recipe combines tender pork belly with a spicy ssamjang sauce and crunchy vegetables, all wrapped up in a crispy rice flour tortilla. Perfect for a flavorful snack or meal on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 pound pork belly, sliced into thin strips
– 1/4 cup ssamjang sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup kimchi, chopped
– 1/4 cup cucumber slices
– 1/4 cup pickled carrot slivers
– 4 rice flour tortillas
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat a pan with some oil over medium-high heat. Cook the pork belly strips until crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the ssamjang sauce and kimchi.
3. Warm the rice flour tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
4. Assemble the wraps by placing some pork belly on each tortilla, followed by a spoonful of the ssamjang-kimchi mixture, cucumber slices, and pickled carrot slivers.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Beef Ssamjang Lettuce Wraps
A flavorful twist on traditional Korean-style lettuce wraps, these grilled beef ssamjang lettuce wraps combine tender beef with a savory and slightly sweet sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef (such as ribeye or sirloin), sliced into thin strips
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp sesame oil
– 4-6 lettuce leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
3. Brush the mixture onto both sides of the beef strips.
4. Grill the beef for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
5. Meanwhile, wash and dry lettuce leaves.
6. Assemble wraps by placing a few slices of grilled beef onto a lettuce leaf, then drizzle with additional Gochujang sauce if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Crispy Tofu Ssamjang Bowls
Elevate your meal game with this vibrant and flavorful bowl, featuring crispy tofu, spicy ssamjang sauce, and a medley of textures. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 cup mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and cilantro)
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix cornstarch and a pinch of salt.
3. Dredge tofu pieces in cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook tofu until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, Gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
6. Assemble bowls by placing cooked tofu on top of mixed greens, adding diced cucumber and toasted sesame seeds. Drizzle with ssamjang sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Ssamjang Chicken Skewers
Get ready to spice up your snack game with these mouthwatering chicken skewers! Marinated in a sweet and spicy Korean-inspired sauce, these bite-sized treats are sure to satisfy any craving.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup ssamjang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together ssamjang, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and black pepper.
3. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with additional ssamjang sauce for dipping (optional).
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Korean BBQ Ssamjang Burgers
Take your burger game to the next level with this unique fusion of Korean flavors and classic American comfort food. These juicy burgers are smothered in a sweet and spicy ssamjang sauce, crispy kimchi slaw, and melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 4 hamburger buns
– 8 oz ground beef
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1/4 cup ssamjang sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 4 slices mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup kimchi slaw (store-bought or homemade)
– Lettuce, tomato, pickled ginger (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Form ground beef into 4 patties and season with soy sauce, Gochujang, and brown sugar.
3. Grill burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. Assemble burgers with melted mozzarella cheese, kimchi slaw, and ssamjang sauce on top.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Ssamjang Glazed Salmon
Elevate your salmon game with this sweet and savory Korean-inspired glaze, featuring ssamjang (a traditional Korean dipping sauce) as the star. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup ssamjang
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together ssamjang, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, vegetable oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the glaze evenly over each salmon fillet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Spicy Ssamjang Shrimp Tacos
This recipe combines the bold flavors of Korean ssamjang with the spicy kick of gochujang and the crunch of taco shells. The result is a unique and addictive fusion dish that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tablespoons ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce)
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Optional toppings: sliced green onions, diced cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, pickled carrots
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Add shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together Gochujang and ssamjang.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
5. Assemble tacos by placing shrimp on a tortilla, drizzling with Gochujang-ssamjang mixture, and topping with desired ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Grilled Ssamjang Eggplant
Elevate your Korean-inspired meals with this flavorful grilled eggplant dish, infused with the savory and sweet notes of ssamjang. Perfect for a quick dinner or as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
• 2 medium-sized eggplants
• 1/4 cup ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Slice eggplants into 1-inch thick rounds.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together ssamjang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with the marinade.
5. Grill eggplants for 3-4 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes
Ssamjang Fried Rice with Kimchi
This Korean-inspired dish combines spicy kimchi with savory ssamjang sauce and fluffy fried rice, creating a flavorful one-pot meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying brunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup kimchi, chopped
– 2 tablespoons ssamjang sauce
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the kimchi; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, breaking up any large pieces with a spatula.
4. Stir in the ssamjang sauce; cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the cooked rice to the skillet; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
8. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ssamjang Deviled Eggs
Elevate your deviled egg game with the bold flavors of Korean ssamjang! This addictive twist adds a sweet, savory, and spicy kick to the classic deviled egg.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks.
2. In a bowl, mix together the yolks, mayonnaise, gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Spoon the yolk mixture evenly into the egg white halves.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes ( preparation) + chilling time
Spicy Ssamjang Noodle Salad
This refreshing salad combines the bold flavors of Korean ssamjang with the comfort of chewy noodles, making it a perfect side dish for any occasion. With its spicy kick and tangy sweetness, this recipe is sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 8 oz rice noodles
– 1/2 cup ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce)
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together ssamjang, sesame oil, soy sauce, Gochujang, rice vinegar, ginger, sugar, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
3. Add cooked noodles to the dressing and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ssamjang Marinated Mushrooms
A flavorful and savory twist on traditional marinated mushrooms, perfect for snacking or as a side dish to your favorite Korean dishes. This recipe uses the popular ssamjang sauce as a marinade, giving the mushrooms a rich and umami flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons ssamjang sauce (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together ssamjang sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the mushrooms from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Spread the marinated mushrooms on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Ssamjang Dipping Sauce for Dumplings
This classic Korean dipping sauce, Ssamjang, is a staple condiment for enjoying dumplings, noodle dishes, and other savory treats. With its sweet, spicy, and umami flavors, it adds depth and excitement to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until smooth.
2. Add sugar, garlic, and ginger to the bowl; whisk until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time:
– Preparation time: 5 minutes
– Resting time: 30 minutes
Spicy Ssamjang Potato Wedges
Spicy Ssamjang Potato Wedges: A Twist on Classic Potatoes!
In this recipe, we’re taking the humble potato wedge to new heights by infusing it with the bold flavors of Korean ssamjang. This sweet and spicy sauce elevates the natural sweetness of potatoes while adding a kick.
Ingredients:
– 4 large potatoes
– 1/2 cup ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: Additional toppings such as crispy bacon, green onions, or grated cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut potatoes into wedges and place them in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together ssamjang, vegetable oil, garlic powder, and salt.
4. Pour the sauce mixture over the potato wedges and toss until evenly coated.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the potato wedges.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
7. Serve warm with your desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Ssamjang Beef Bulgogi Bowls
This recipe combines the rich flavors of beef bulgogi with the savory goodness of ssamjang, a traditional Korean dipping sauce. Served over a bed of rice and topped with crunchy kimchi slaw, this bowl is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 tbsp Gochujang
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 cup sesame oil
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 cup kimchi slaw (store-bought or homemade)
– Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add the sliced beef to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar and water. Pour the mixture into the wok or skillet and stir to combine with the beef.
5. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then serve the beef over cooked white rice and top with kimchi slaw.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ssamjang Avocado Toast
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this innovative and delicious Ssamjang Avocado Toast recipe. This sweet and savory fusion combines the creaminess of avocado, the crunch of toast, and the bold flavors of Korean ssamjang.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of whole grain bread (preferably toasted)
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 2 tbsp ssamjang sauce (Korean chili paste)
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. Spread the mashed avocado on top of the toast.
3. Drizzle the ssamjang sauce over the avocado, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Spicy Ssamjang Cauliflower Bites
These crispy cauliflower bites are infused with the bold flavors of gochujang, a Korean chili paste. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons gochujang
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar.
2. Add cauliflower florets to the marinade and toss to coat. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
4. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs.
5. Remove cauliflower from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge in cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess.
6. Fry cauliflower in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
7. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Ssamjang Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ssamjang Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Twist on Korean Flavor
This recipe combines the bold flavors of ssamjang, a popular Korean dipping sauce, with the sweetness of bell peppers for a unique and delicious twist.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers (any color), seeded and chopped
– 1/2 cup ssamjang sauce (see note)
– 1/4 cup cooked rice
– 1/4 cup diced green onions
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
– 1/4 cup crumbled Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Cooking oil, for brushing
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together ssamjang sauce, cooked rice, green onions, sesame seeds, and chili flakes.
3. Stuff each bell pepper with the ssamjang mixture, filling to the top.
4. Place peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each.
5. Drizzle with cooking oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Discover a world of flavorful dips with these 18 spicy ssamjang recipes! From wraps and bowls to burgers and tacos, these Korean-inspired dishes are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Ssamjang is a spicy dipping sauce made from gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, and it pairs perfectly with a variety of ingredients. Try making Spicy Pork Belly Ssamjang Wraps or Grilled Beef Ssamjang Lettuce Wraps for a delicious snack. Or, get creative with Ssamjang Glazed Salmon or Spicy Ssamjang Shrimp Tacos. Whatever you choose, these recipes are sure to bring the heat!