Ssamjang

Origin: Korea. A blended dipping sauce combining doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste) and gochujang with garlic, sesame oil, and sometimes chopped onion or scallion, specifically formulated for wrapping in lettuce.

Flavor Profile: Savory, salty, and moderately spicy with a nutty sesame finish, more complex than gochujang alone.

Culinary Uses: Standard condiment for ssam (lettuce-wrapped grilled meat), spread onto the lettuce leaf before wrapping meat and rice.

Regional Variations: Ratios of doenjang to gochujang vary by region and restaurant; some versions add chopped walnuts or pine nuts for texture.

Storage: Refrigerate; keeps several weeks given the fermented base components.