Ssamjang (Sauce for Korean Lettuce Wraps)

Method4 steps · about 20 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Choose basic uncooked sauce OR tuna sauce. For basic, mix its 2 Tbsp doenjang, 1 Tbsp gochujang, 1 tsp garlic, 1/2 Tbsp selected sugar/honey/oligodang (or to taste), 2 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp sesame seeds and 1 Tbsp selected water/rice wine. Thin further only if needed.

   Uses 2 tbsp doenjang for basic sauce · 1 tbsp gochujang for basic sauce · 1 tsp minced garlic for basic sauce · 1/2 tbsp sugar OR honey OR oligodang for basic sauce, or to taste · 2 tsp sesame oil for basic sauce · 1 tsp sesame seeds for basic sauce · 1 tbsp water OR rice wine for basic thinning, more if needed · Extra water OR rice wine as needed beyond basic 1 tbsp

   
2. 2

   Step 2: Basic route only: mix in any desired optional finely chopped onion (1 tbsp), scallion (1 tbsp), green/red chili peppers (1/2 tbsp) and chopped nuts. Serve this sauce; skip the tuna steps.

   Uses Prepared basic sauce · 1 tbsp finely chopped onion, optional basic addition · 1 tbsp finely chopped scallion, optional basic addition · 1/2 tbsp finely chopped green chili, optional basic addition · 1/2 tbsp finely chopped red chili, optional basic addition · 2 tbsp chopped almonds, walnuts or peanuts, optional basic addition

   
3. 3

   Step 3: Tuna route instead of basic: heat its 1 Tbsp cooking oil in a small pan. Stir-fry its separate 2 Tbsp chopped onion, 2 Tbsp scallion and 2 tsp garlic until onion is cooked.

   Uses 2 tbsp finely chopped onion for tuna sauce · 2 tbsp finely chopped scallion for tuna sauce · 2 tsp minced garlic for tuna sauce · 1 tbsp cooking oil for tuna sauce

   
4. 4

   Step 4: For tuna (1 can) route, add the canned tuna, its separate 2 Tbsp doenjang, 1 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp selected sugar/honey/oligodang, 1 Tbsp sesame oil and 2 tsp sesame seeds. Stir a few minutes until incorporated. If dry, add 2–3 Tbsp selected water/rice wine/mirin. Serve.

   Uses Cooked tuna-route aromatics · 1 can tuna, about 5 oz, for tuna sauce · 2 tbsp doenjang for tuna sauce · 1 tbsp gochujang for tuna sauce · 1 tbsp sugar OR honey OR oligodang for tuna sauce · 1 tbsp sesame oil for tuna sauce · 2 tsp sesame seeds for tuna sauce · 2–3 tbsp water OR rice wine/mirin only if tuna sauce dry