When it's time to share a Korean barbecue, you can't miss out on ssam (쌈), a flavorful bite wrapped in a lettuce or perilla leaf. In Korean, ssam simply means "to wrap" – but behind this simplicity lies a true culinary art, as convivial as it is delicious.
A Korean Ritual of Leaves and Sharing
Ssam is a beautiful experience. On the table, there's a large central plate filled with various leaves: lettuce, perilla (깻잎), sometimes even seaweed leaves. Everyone freely picks to create their ideal bite. Depending on the setup, you might also have your own ready-made platter.
Essentials for a Successful Ssam
- Fresh leaves: crispy lettuce, perilla leaves, napa cabbage.
- Steamed white rice: the soft and fluffy base.
- Grilled meat: bulgogi beef, samgyeopsal, marinated chicken, sliced thinly.
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Typical sauces:
- Ssamjang (쌈장): a creamy paste made from doenjang and gochujang.
- Seasoned Gochujang: for a spicier note.
- Banchan: kimchi, pickled radishes, soybean sprouts, sautéed mushrooms…
- Grilled garlic and mild chili peppers to enhance the bites.
How to Assemble Your Ssam?
- Choose a nice leaf.
- Add a spoonful of rice to the center.
- Add a piece of grilled meat.
- Complete with a bit of banchan and a dollop of sauce.
- Fold the leaf (even if it overflows a little!).
- Eat the bite in one go to enjoy all the flavors!
Why We Love Ssam?
- It's fun and interactive: everyone composes to their taste.
- It's light, balanced, and nourishing.
- It highlights Korean marinated meats with freshness.
Want to Try it at Home?
Discover our Korean barbecue pack, perfect for hosting a ssam meal at home, with all the essentials at hand.
And to complete your meal, consider our kimchi jeon pack.
