Savory Tuna Ssamjang (Korean Dipping Sauce)
A Low-Sodium, Wholesome Tuna Ssamjang Recipe for Healthy Eating
Discover how to make a delicious and healthy tuna ssamjang that’s perfectly balanced, not too salty, and wonderfully savory. It pairs beautifully with cabbage wraps, a variety of fresh vegetable wraps, or even inside your homemade kimbap. This versatile dip is a must-try for any Korean food lover!
Ingredients for Tuna Ssamjang
- 2 cans (135g each) canned tuna, drained of oil
- 1/2 medium onion
- 2 Korean green chilies (Cheongyang peppers)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 4 Tbsp ssamjang (Korean soybean paste, adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp Buldak sauce (spicy chicken sauce)
- Generous amount of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the fresh vegetables for the ssamjang. Wash them thoroughly and pat them dry to ensure they are ready for dicing.
Step 2
Finely mince half of a medium onion. The smaller the dice, the smoother the texture of your ssamjang will be. Next, finely chop 2 Korean green chilies (Cheongyang peppers), removing the seeds for a milder heat if desired. This adds a pleasant spicy kick to the sauce.
Step 3
Add 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic to the finely diced onion and chilies. The garlic will provide a wonderful aromatic base for the dipping sauce.
Step 4
Pour in 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. This essential ingredient adds a rich, nutty aroma and a smooth mouthfeel to the ssamjang.
Step 5
Add 4 tablespoons of ssamjang (Korean soybean paste). This is the foundation of the savory flavor. You can adjust the amount based on the saltiness and flavor profile of the ssamjang you are using.
Step 6
Carefully drain the oil from both cans of tuna using a sieve. Press down gently to remove as much oil as possible. This step is crucial for preventing the ssamjang from becoming greasy and maintaining its savory, wholesome taste.
Step 7
Stir in 2 tablespoons of Buldak sauce. This popular Korean sauce adds a unique sweet and spicy element that elevates the overall flavor of the ssamjang, giving it a delightful kick.
Step 8
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix them thoroughly until well incorporated. Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds over the top for added texture and nutty flavor. Your delicious tuna ssamjang is now ready!
Step 9
This homemade tuna ssamjang is perfectly low-sodium and savory, making it an excellent choice for a healthy meal or for those on a diet. Enjoy it with cabbage wraps, fresh vegetables, kimbap, or any other dish you desire!
