Korean barbecue fans are split into two main camps: those who relish it in the traditional manner, folding the meat in lettuce leaves (ssam); and those who savour the meat bare, in its pure and unadorned form. But regardless of where you stand on this contentious matter, one thing’s for certain — Korean barbecue isn’t the same without its delightful assortment of condiments. Sauces and their ingredients, sometimes chunky and other times smooth, introduce dimensions of flavours, from sweet and spicy to sour and salty.
If you’re putting together your own KBBQ bar at home, incorporating a range of condiments is crucial for an authentic and well-supplied feast. At Nami Korean Grill House, we are more than happy to divulge the key ingredients to help you create that extraordinary experience. Ahead are seven essential condiments you must have in your DIY Korean barbecue!
1. Gochujang
Gochujang may simply be known as red chilli paste to those less familiar with Korean cuisine. It is deliciously viscous, concentrated, and boasts deep flavours that are savoury, sweet and spicy. Gochujang’s main ingredients include red chilli powder (giving it that striking crimson colour), glutinous rice powder, fermented soybeans and salt.
In a Korean barbecue restaurant, gochujang is typically already added into seasoned meats, such as for bulgogi. But the paste is versatile enough to be combined for other appetising dipping sauces for grilled meats. A single dip of such sauces is enough for an explosion of flavours, showing that a little does go a long way.
2. Ssamjang
Ssamjang is one of if not the most important element in a Korean barbecue condiment selection. Like gochujang, ssamjang is thick and bold, but may appear slightly chunkier. In terms of taste, ssamjang, a seasoned soybean paste, is also richer and more complex, primarily due to its additional ingredients of sesame oil, garlic, green onions, sugar and gochujang itself.
While gochujang is frequently utilised as a marinade, ssamjang is commonly served as a dipping sauce alongside grilled meats and vegetables. The traditional way to enjoy it is by laying pieces of meat (such as pork belly), perilla leaves, and kimchi on a piece of lettuce, then adding a dollop of ssamjang before folding it together. This wrap is called a ssam, basically bite-sized wraps, widely consumed across Korean cuisine.
3. Soy Sauce
Korean soy sauce (ganjang) comprises mainly fermented soybeans (meju) and brine. That said, it tastes lighter than its Japanese and Chinese counterparts, and is also saltier. Many Korean barbecue dipping sauce recipes list soy sauce as a key component. It lends extra depth and umami to dishes and can also serve as a flavourful dipping sauce on its own.
4. Sesame Oil
Distinctively nutty and fragrant, sesame oil (chamgireum) is a favourite of Koreans and non-Koreans alike. Its role in Korean barbecue involves imparting delicate and aromatic flavours that cut through the heaviness of meat. Sesame oil shines the brightest when paired with unseasoned meats, in particular fine cuts like bulgogi and samgyeopsal. It adds a delightful finishing touch, rounding off the protein with a burst of flavour and fragrance that greatly enhances the taste experience.
Besides being a standalone dipping sauce, sesame oil can also support other ingredients in various Korean sauce recipes. Take, for instance, a simple three-ingredient recipe where sesame oil is combined with salt and pepper. The mild and versatile nature of sesame oil makes it suitable for both ssam wraps and eating grilled meat straight. We encourage you to try both methods to discover which you truly prefer!
5. Sesame Seeds
You’ve seen marinated meats coated with sesame seeds, but have you considered their contribution to the dish’s overall taste and texture profile? Though small in size, these toasted or roasted seeds pack a big punch, inviting an additional layer of nuttiness and crunch. In Korean barbecue, sesame seeds extend beyond marinades, also serving as a tempting condiment, allowing diners to personalise their sauce blends by sprinkling these delectable garnishes to their liking.
6. Salt, Pepper and Sugar
Salt, pepper and sugar are fundamental ingredients in every Korean barbecue condiment bar. Apart from being incorporated into seasonings, these elements also form an essential part of dipping sauce recipes. Some diners might even prefer to sprinkle a dash of salt, pepper or sugar directly onto their grilled meats for added flavour. These condiments often work hand-in-hand to balance out overwhelming flavours and can complement each other fairly well when added in moderation.
7. Kimchi and Other Banchan
Kimchi is regarded as a staple of Korean cuisine known for its piquant and refreshing taste. Make no mistake that this is a fermented vegetable dish, and technically not a condiment; but its chopped and pickled characteristics do make some categorise it as a form of relish. Traditional kimchi employs the use of napa cabbage or Korean radish, together with seasonings such as Korean chilli powder, garlic and spring onions. Kimchi is a type of banchan, or small-portioned sides that accompany meals.
Banchan like kimchi are well-favoured in Korean barbecue because they contrast against the rich and sometimes overpowering profiles of beef and pork. As we mentioned under ssamjang, Korean barbecues often see diners placing bits of kimchi into their ssam wraps to make them fresh and tangy. If there’s only time to prepare one banchan, kimchi stands out as a reliable and tantalising choice.
Conclusion
As you figure out the creative direction of your Korean barbecue spread at home, remember that the condiments you choose can make all the difference. Whether you’re aiming for the bold flavours of gochujang and ssamjang, or the delicate nuttiness of sesame oil and sesame seeds, each ingredient contributes uniquely to the holistic development of flavour and mouthfeel.
At Nami Korean Grill House, we’re passionate about sharing the authentic flavours of Korean barbecue with our guests. Take inspiration from us by dropping by our grill house, to explore a world of tantalising tastes and unforgettable hospitality! Find us at 18 Greenwood Ave Singapore 289212 today and get a true taste of Korea.
