Delicious Homemade Chogochujang Sauce Recipe
Happy Year-End Dinner with Family: Crafting the Perfect Chogochujang to Elevate Your Meal
Spending the last dinner of 2022 with my daughter, who lives out of state, was an incredibly joyful experience. She craved salmon sashimi, while my husband wanted roast chicken. So, we decided to have both! This recipe focuses on making a fantastic chogochujang (a Korean spicy-sweet dipping sauce) that perfectly complements fresh salmon sashimi, making your special meal even more memorable. This detailed guide will help you create a balanced and flavorful sauce, even if you’re a beginner.
Main Dish Ingredients
- Fresh Salmon Sashimi (as preferred)
- Capers (to accompany sashimi)
Perfect Chogochujang Sauce
- 4 Tbsp Vinegar (for the tangy base)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (for umami depth)
- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste, for spice and richness)
- 2.5 Tbsp Sugar (to balance sweetness)
- 1 tsp Mustard (for a pungent kick)
- 4 Tbsp Vinegar (for the tangy base)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (for umami depth)
- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste, for spice and richness)
- 2.5 Tbsp Sugar (to balance sweetness)
- 1 tsp Mustard (for a pungent kick)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Selecting fresh salmon is key. Always check the expiration date and choose the freshest salmon available for the best taste. (Photo: Prepared salmon sashimi)
Step 2
First, measure out 4 tablespoons of vinegar. This will form the tangy foundation of your chogochujang sauce.
Step 3
Next, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. This ingredient will add a wonderful depth of umami flavor to the sauce.
Step 4
Now, for the chili paste: measure 3 tablespoons of gochujang. Follow this with 2.5 tablespoons of sugar to add sweetness, and finally, 1 teaspoon of mustard for that signature pungent kick. Using measuring spoons ensures the perfect balance of flavors.
Step 5
Combine all the measured ingredients for the chogochujang sauce in a small bowl. Whisk everything together thoroughly until smooth and well-combined, ensuring there are no lumps. (Tip: You can make a larger batch and store it for future use.)
Step 6
Arrange the sliced salmon sashimi attractively on a serving plate. Sprinkle a few capers over the salmon; they add a lovely briny note that complements the fish beautifully. (Photo: Salmon sashimi with capers)
Step 7
The roast chicken was also prepared, completing our bountiful feast. (Photo: Roast chicken)
Step 8
Although it was a special occasion, we opted for orange juice instead of alcohol in the evening for a celebratory toast (‘Jjan!’). We shared our gratitude for the past year and wished each other health and happiness for the new year. (Photo: Clinking glasses for a toast)
Step 9
Eating salmon sashimi with my daughter always feels special, but homemade chogochujang elevates the experience even further. Enjoy the clean, refreshing, and perfectly balanced taste of your handmade sauce!
