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Korean Ssamjang Paste served on a plate

Korean Ssamjang Paste

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Korean Ssamjang paste blends fermented doenjang and spicy gochujang into a thick, umami-rich condiment perfect for dipping grilled meats and lettuce wraps. Mixing the pastes thoroughly before adding garlic, honey, and sesame oil ensures a balanced and smooth texture. Resting the paste for 30 minutes melds the flavors into a cohesive dip.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: Korean

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoon doenjang fermented soybean paste, foundational umami
  • 2 tablespoon gochujang Korean red chili paste, adds moderate heat
  • 2 cloves garlic minced finely
  • 2 green onions finely chopped
  • 0.5 small onion grated, optional
  • 1 tablespoon honey balances salty flavor, can substitute sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil toasted, adds nutty richness
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds toasted
  • 0.5 teaspoon chili flakes optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl Used to combine pastes and ingredients
  • Dry pan Used for toasting sesame seeds
  • Spoon For stirring paste and ingredients

Method
 

  1. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2 minutes, shaking pan frequently until seeds turn golden and smell nutty. Remove and cool on a plate.
    1 tbsp sesame seeds
  2. Combine 3 tablespoons doenjang and 2 tablespoons gochujang in a mixing bowl. Stir vigorously with a spoon for about 1 minute until fully blended with no streaks.
    3 tbsp doenjang, 2 tbsp gochujang
  3. Add minced garlic, chopped green onion, and 1 tablespoon honey to the paste base. Stir until evenly distributed. Taste and add more honey if the paste is too salty.
    2 cloves garlic, 2 green onions, 1 tbsp honey
  4. Drizzle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil over the mixture slowly while stirring to prevent separation. Mix until the paste looks glossy and smooth.
    1 tbsp sesame oil
  5. Fold in the toasted sesame seeds and optional chili flakes gently to preserve seed texture. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
    1 tbsp sesame seeds, 0.5 tsp chili flakes

Notes

  • Mix doenjang and gochujang first to avoid lumps and ensure even umami.
  • Let minced garlic sit 5 minutes before mixing for sharper flavor.
  • Toast sesame seeds just until golden for the best nutty aroma.
  • Rest paste 30 minutes refrigerated to meld flavors and improve texture.

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