What Are 된장 (doenjang) and 쌈장(ssamjang)? Two Essential Korean Pastes

Hello! Today, let’s learn about two essential ingredients in Korean cooking: 된장 (doenjang) and 쌈장 (ssamjang).

Although both are fermented soybean-based pastes, they have different ingredients, flavors, and uses.

1. 된장 (Doenjang)

된장 is a traditional Korean fermented soybean paste.

It is made mainly from soybeans and salt and has a deep, salty, earthy, and savory flavor. Koreans use it to make soups, stews, sauces, and seasoned vegetable dishes.

• 된장으로 찌개를 만들었어요.
  Doenjang-euro jjigae-reul mandeureosseoyo.
  I made a stew with doenjang.

The word 된 can describe something thick or firm, while 장 refers to a fermented paste or sauce. The name reflects the thick consistency of doenjang.

2. 쌈장 (Ssamjang)

쌈장 is a thick Korean dipping paste commonly eaten with grilled meat and fresh vegetables.

It is usually made by combining 된장 (doenjang) and 고추장 (gochujang) with ingredients such as garlic, sesame oil, and sweetener.

The name can be divided into two parts:

• 쌈 (ssam): food wrapped in a leafy vegetable

• 장 (jang): a seasoned paste or sauce

Therefore, 쌈장 literally means “paste for ssam.”

• 삼겹살을 쌈장에 찍어 먹어요.
  Samgyeopsal-eul ssamjang-e jjigeo meogeoyo.
  I dip samgyeopsal in ssamjang before eating it.

Ssamjang is often served with Korean barbecue. Diners place grilled meat, rice, garlic, and a little ssamjang inside a lettuce or perilla leaf and wrap everything together.

What Is the Difference?

된장 is a fermented soybean paste used as a base ingredient in many Korean dishes.

쌈장 is a seasoned dipping paste made with doenjang and other ingredients. It is usually milder, sweeter, and ready to eat without cooking.

• 된장: fermented soybean paste used in cooking

• 쌈장: seasoned paste served with grilled meat and vegetable wraps

Note!

The Korean word 장 (jang) appears in the names of several traditional fermented seasonings:

• 된장 (doenjang): fermented soybean paste

• 고추장 (gochujang): fermented red chili paste

• 간장 (ganjang): soy sauce

• 쌈장 (ssamjang): seasoned paste for vegetable wraps

Learning 장 makes it easier to understand many Korean food words.

✨ Today’s Korean Words

된장 (doenjang): Korean fermented soybean paste
쌈장 (ssamjang): seasoned dipping paste eaten with ssam
쌈 (ssam): food wrapped in a leafy vegetable
장 (jang): fermented or seasoned paste or sauce

Which do you use more often—된장 or 쌈장?

One Korean expression a day, make it yours!

하루에 한 표현을 내 것으로!