Go Back
A small white bowl filled with vibrant red {{ $('Fetch Recipe Data').first().json["Main Keyword"] }}, a Korean chili paste, garnished with a fresh green chili.

Homemade Ssamjang: Korean Spicy Dipping Sauce

A robust and flavorful homemade Ssamjang, the essential Korean spicy dipping sauce perfect for grilled meats, fresh vegetables, or as a vibrant condiment for any meal. This simple recipe brings authentic Korean taste to your table in minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce, Side Dish
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 55
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Ssamjang Sauce
  • 4 tbsp Gochujang Korean chili paste
  • 2 tbsp Doenjang Korean fermented soybean paste
  • 2 cloves Garlic finely minced
  • 1 tbsp Onion finely minced
  • 1 tsp Toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp Toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp Honey or rice syrup, adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Mirin Korean cooking wine, optional for depth
  • 0.5 tsp Gochugaru Korean chili flakes, optional for extra heat
  • 1-2 tsp Water optional, to adjust consistency

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spoon
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups

Method
 

Prepare the Ingredients
  1. Finely mince the garlic cloves and the small amount of onion. If using scallions, thinly slice the green parts.
Combine the Sauce
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the gochujang, doenjang, minced garlic, minced onion, toasted sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, honey (or rice syrup), and mirin (if using). Add the optional gochugaru if you desire extra spiciness.
  2. Stir all the ingredients thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until they are well combined and form a relatively smooth, consistent paste.
  3. Taste the ssamjang and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might add a bit more honey for sweetness, gochugaru for heat, or sesame oil for nuttiness. If the sauce is too thick, add water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired dipping consistency.
Serve
  1. Serve the Ssamjang Korean Spicy Dipping Sauce immediately with grilled meats (like samgyeopsal or galbi), fresh vegetable sticks, or as a condiment for rice bowls and wraps.

Notes

Ssamjang is best made fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. Its flavors deepen slightly over time. For an even richer taste, some recipes include a touch of ground nuts (like walnuts or peanuts) or a tiny bit of Korean pear juice.