Ssamjang Paste: A Guide to Korean Barbecue

The Korean wave is sweeping the nation, and with it, the desire to master the art of Korean barbecue at home. At the heart of this convivial ritual lies a treasure trove of flavour: Ssamjang paste. But when faced with the well-stocked shelves of Asian grocery stores, choosing the right jar can quickly become a daunting task.

Don't panic! As a product expert at Joybuy and a Korean cuisine enthusiast, I'm here to decode the labels and help you find THE perfect Ssamjang paste for your palate, cutting through the marketing jargon.

How to Choose the Right Ssamjang Paste

Standing in front of the aisle at a Korean grocery store can be intimidating. To make sure you get it right, here are a few simple tips for choosing the seasoned soybean paste that's right for you.

1. Decoding the Ingredients

Ssamjang isn't a single ingredient, but a masterful blend. It is primarily composed of:

• Doenjang: a fermented soybean paste, very salty and rich in umami. It's the soul of the sauce, giving it all its depth.
• Gochujang: a fermented chilli paste, which brings its sweet-and-savoury touch and a varying level of heat.
• Aromatics: garlic, onion, sesame oil, and sometimes a hint of sugar are added to perfect the balance of flavours.

The ratio of each ingredient will define the paste's character. The higher the proportion of Gochujang, the spicier the sauce will be.

2. Finding the Right Balance of Flavour (and Spice!)

Brands offer their recipes in several versions, often labelled "mild" or classic. If you're just starting out or are wary of spice, a mild version is the ideal starting point. For a more authentic experience, especially with the famous samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), a standard version will offer a bolder contrast between the umami of the soy and the heat of the chilli.

3. Consider Its Uses

While it reigns supreme in Korean barbecue, Ssamjang paste is incredibly versatile.

• As a dip: its creamy texture is perfect for dipping vegetable sticks (cucumber, carrot) or for garnishing the famous ssam (a bite of grilled meat wrapped in a lettuce leaf).
• As a condiment: it can elevate a bibimbap, flavour a stew, or even serve as a quick base for a marinade.

Most pastes are ready to use, but nothing is stopping you from customising them with a touch of freshly chopped garlic or a few drops of sesame oil.

Our Top Ssamjang Paste Picks

We've selected three Ssamjangs that stand out from the crowd, each with a distinct character to suit different tastes.

Sempio Ssamjang Mild Seasoned Soybean Paste 500g

Why it stands out: Sempio's mild version is the perfect gateway into the world of Korean condiments. It's approachable, emphasising the richness of fermented soy with a barely perceptible hint of chilli, making it accessible to all palates, even the most sensitive.

Pros:

• Balanced flavour and very low spice.
• Creamy texture, perfect for dipping.
• Highly versatile, from a sauce for bibimbap to a simple table condiment.

Who is it for? For anyone new to Korean cuisine or looking for deep umami without the bite of chilli. It's the ultimate family-friendly choice.

Chung Jung One (CJW) Ssamjang Seasoned Soybean Paste 500g

Why it stands out: A staple in Korea, Chung Jung One offers a Ssamjang of great complexity. Its secret? The addition of apple and pear concentrates, which provide a fruity sweetness and a hint of acidity, creating a masterful balance between salt, sugar, and spice.

Pros:

• A depth of flavour and intense umami.
• Complex and very harmonious balance.
• Ready to use, ideal for ssam (lettuce wraps).

Who is it for? For discerning foodies seeking an authentic and powerful flavour. It's the ultimate all-rounder Korean condiment to enhance meats and vegetables.

Sajo Haepyo Sunchanggung Seasoned Soybean Paste 500g

Why it stands out: This Ssamjang from Sajo Haepyo is tailor-made for the grill, making it the ultimate samgyeopsal sauce. Its recipe is designed to coat the meat and cut through the richness of grilled pork. The little touch that makes all the difference: a hint of mustard that gives it a unique character.

Pros:

• A flavour profile designed for grilled meat.
• Rich texture that coats perfectly.
• The traditional recipe with an original twist.

Who is it for? For Korean barbecue purists who want to replicate that authentic restaurant taste and perfect their ssam.

Ready to Explore More?

This selection is just a taste of the rich world of Korean condiments. To discover spicier versions, other soybean pastes, or simply to satisfy your curiosity, our full range awaits.

Discover our full range of fermented bean pastes

Frequently Asked Questions about Ssamjang Paste

1. What's the difference between Ssamjang, Doenjang, and Gochujang?

To put it simply:

• Doenjang: This is a pure fermented soybean paste, very salty and not spicy. Its flavour is more rustic and powerful than Japanese miso.
• Gochujang: This is a fermented chilli paste that is simultaneously spicy, sweet, and salty.
• Ssamjang: This is an "all-in-one" sauce that blends the two, along with aromatics (garlic, onion, sesame). It's ready to eat, whereas Doenjang and Gochujang are raw ingredients used for cooking.

2. How should I store Ssamjang paste?

Before opening, the jar can be stored in a cupboard, away from heat and light. Once opened, it must be kept in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness and flavours. The paste will last for several months this way. Always remember to use a clean spoon to serve yourself to avoid any contamination.

3. Can Ssamjang be used for things other than barbecue?

Absolutely! Ssamjang is an ultra-versatile condiment. You can use it to:

• Enhance a bowl of rice with vegetables (bibimbap).
• Serve as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or raw vegetables.
• Thin with a little water to create a sauce base for a stir-fry.
• Spread a thin layer in a sandwich to give it a kick.