Ssamjang

Recipe: Traditional Korean BBQ Dipping Sauce

Ssamjang is one of Korea’s most loved table condiments, commonly served alongside grilled meats, lettuce wraps, and vegetable platters. Made by combining fermented soybean paste with chilli paste, sesame oil, garlic, and aromatics, it delivers a balanced mix of savoury, nutty, sweet, and mildly spicy flavours. It is a staple in Korean barbecue meals and helps bring different ingredients together in every bite. Traditionally enjoyed with grilled pork or beef wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves, this flavourful spread has become popular around the world. Unlike a typical BBQ sauce recipe, it offers a thicker texture and a deep fermented taste that develops from carefully aged ingredients. The addition of scallions and sesame seeds gives freshness and crunch without overwhelming the base flavours. This sauce is useful throughout the year because it requires no cooking and can be prepared in minutes. It works well as a dip for raw vegetables, a spread for wraps, or an accompaniment to grilled dishes. Keeping a batch in the refrigerator makes it easy to add authentic Korean flavour to everyday meals.