Ssamjang (the beloved Korean sauce)
Ssamjang is a beloved Korean condiment traditionally made with fermented soybean paste (doenjang) and gochujang. It’s the essential flavor bomb tucked into lettuce wraps (ssam), paired with grilled meats, or dolloped onto rice bowls. But most store-bought versions contain wheat or barley, making them off-limits for those following a gluten-free lifestyle.
That’s where this version comes in: a gluten-free ssamjang made with miso paste, gochujang, and a few pantry staples. It's creamy, spicy, probiotic, umami-packed—and incredibly versatile.
What Is Ssamjang? In Korean cuisine, ssamjang literally means “wrapping sauce,” traditionally served with grilled meats and fresh vegetables. It's savory, slightly sweet, deeply fermented, and often used as a dip, spread, or finishing sauce.
By swapping in gluten-free miso (a fermented paste made from rice or soybeans without barley) and using gluten-free gochujang, we keep the spirit of ssamjang alive—without compromising on dietary needs.
Flavor Profile: What to Expect?
Umami-rich thanks to miso and gochujang
Creamy and smooth from the mayo, which balances the boldness
Toasty and nutty with the sesame oil and seeds
Slightly sweet with maple syrup for that perfect flavor lift
Aromatic and fresh from scallions and garlic powder
It hits every note: salty, spicy, tangy, sweet, and earthy.
How to Use Gluten-Free Ssamjang? This sauce is wildly versatile. Here are some favorite ways to use it:
Lettuce wraps (ssam) with grilled meats or tofu
Veggie dip for cucumbers, carrots, radishes, or jicama
Glaze or marinade for grilled chicken, salmon, or eggplant
Rice bowls with sautéed greens and a soft-boiled egg
Spread on gluten-free bread or wraps with avocado or roasted veggies
Stir-fry sauce when thinned slightly with warm water or broth
A spoonful goes a long way. Start small and adjust to taste.
Health Benefits of This Ssamjang Recipe? This isn’t just a flavor enhancer—it’s functional, too:
Fermented miso and gochujang offer gut-loving probiotics that support digestion and immune health.
Sesame oil and seeds are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants.
Garlic and scallions bring prebiotic compounds that feed beneficial gut bacteria.
Maple syrup, in moderation, adds sweetness without refined sugar.
When made at home with clean, real-food ingredients, ssamjang becomes more than a condiment—it becomes part of a healing, whole-foods approach to eating.
Try It Today - If you’re looking for a bold, nourishing sauce to elevate your meals, this gluten-free ssamjang is a game-changer. Keep a jar in the fridge for easy flavor boosts all week long. It’s quick to make, endlessly adaptable, and deeply satisfying.
RECIPE
Ingredients:
4 Tbsp gluten-free miso paste
2 Tbsp gluten-free gochujang (Korean chili paste)
2 Tbsp mayonnaise (use avocado or olive oil-based for a cleaner option)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
1 Tbsp sesame oil
1 Tbsp maple syrup
2 scallions, finely chopped
Instructions:
Prepare all ingredients.
In a mixing bowl, combine the miso, gochujang, mayo, garlic powder, sesame seeds, sesame oil, maple syrup, and scallions.
Stir until smooth and well blended.
Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
As usual, these are my thoughts and ideas, not medical advice. You are encouraged to create your own recipes or search for some suited to your needs. I am just sharing my recipes, hoping that I can inspire some of you to make healthier food choices.
Please remember that we all have different nutritional needs and that food affects us differently. If you are not sure which foods are best for you, reach out for a free phone consultation.
In good health,
Ioana