Savory Pork Ssamjang (Korean Dipping Sauce)
Mastering Delicious Pork Ssamjang: A Step-by-Step Guide
A homemade ssamjang can make any meal feel special! Imagine picking fresh lettuce from your garden and wrapping it into a delicious ssam. This recipe goes beyond just a dipping sauce for vegetables; it’s a flavorful pork ssamjang that’s also fantastic for making fried rice. Elevate your meals with this rich and aromatic pork ssamjang.
Main Ingredients
- 300g lean pork hind leg, thinly sliced
- 1 stalk green onion (white and green parts separated)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 4 Cheongyang chili peppers (Korean red chili peppers), finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare 300g of lean pork hind leg. I used a cut with less fat, which I had thinly sliced at the butcher for stir-fry and then frozen. Slightly thaw it, then cut it into thin strips and then into bite-sized pieces. If you have thicker cuts, slice them thinly first. This preparation helps the sauce penetrate better.
Step 2
Heat a deep pan over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp sesame oil and 1 Tbsp cooking oil. Finely chop the white parts of the green onion and sauté them until fragrant, releasing their aroma. This step creates a flavorful base for the ssamjang.
Step 3
Add all the prepared pork to the pan and stir-fry. Cook until the pork changes color and is no longer pink.
Step 4
Once the pork is fully cooked, sprinkle in 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 Tbsp minced garlic and the finely chopped 1/2 onion. Stir-fry everything together until the onion becomes translucent. Cooking the onion until soft brings out its natural sweetness.
Step 5
Now, it’s time to add the key ssamjang seasonings. Pour in 2 Tbsp of rice wine (cheongju) to eliminate any pork odor. Add 1 Tbsp of plum syrup for a touch of sweetness and a glossy finish. Next, add 3 Tbsp doenjang, 1 Tbsp gochujang, and 1 Tbsp gochugaru to the pan.
Step 6
With all the seasonings in, reduce the heat to low. It’s crucial to stir constantly with a spatula to prevent burning and ensure the ingredients cook evenly. Continue to cook gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken into a rich paste.
Step 7
Finally, add the green parts of the green onion and 4 finely chopped Cheongyang chili peppers. Stir-fry for another minute or so until the chili peppers are slightly softened. The spicy kick from the chilies adds a refreshing element, and the green onion’s aroma balances the overall flavor. Your delicious pork ssamjang is now ready to be enjoyed!
