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EBS · KOGL Type 1

쌈장 · Ssamjang dipping paste

Ssamjang dipping paste

쌈장

What exactly is it?

Ssamjang is a thick condiment for rice or meat wrapped in leaves. Soybean paste provides the base, with chili paste, garlic and sesame oil adding flavor. Chopped onion, nuts or tofu can alter both its texture and saltiness.

Main ingredients

Soybean paste, chili paste, garlic and sesame oil; optional onion, nuts or tofu

Ordering and serving

Start with a small dab inside the wrap. Tuna ssamjang and snail ssamjang contain animal ingredients, even though the base is soybean paste.

Origins and changes

It belongs to the practice of pairing leaf-wrapped food with seasoned paste. Recipes range from a simple soybean-and-chili mixture to versions containing tofu, tuna or freshwater snails.

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Ssamjang dipping paste

쌈장

Main ingredients
Soybean paste, chili paste, garlic and sesame oil; optional onion, nuts or tofu
Flavor and character
Ssamjang is a thick condiment for rice or meat wrapped in leaves. Soybean paste provides the base, with chili paste, garlic and sesame oil adding flavor. Chopped onion, nuts or tofu can alter both its texture and saltiness.
How to eat it
Start with a small dab inside the wrap. Tuna ssamjang and snail ssamjang contain animal ingredients, even though the base is soybean paste.
Read about this dish →

Fermented soybean paste

된장

Main ingredients
Fermented soybean blocks, salt and water; grains may be added depending on production
Flavor and character
Doenjang is a salty fermented soybean paste, ranging from coarse and chunky to smooth. It seasons soups and stews and can be served with vegetables for dipping. A tub of paste and a bowl of doenjang jjigae are different things.
How to eat it
When buying a jar, distinguish plain cooking paste from a ready-seasoned dipping paste. Grain ingredients, including wheat, vary by product.
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