This style of Korean lettuce wraps comes filled with meat, rice, veggies, and a zesty sauce called ssamjang that is downright delicious.
The end of summer is here, pretty much. The weather is cooling down outside, and you’re probably getting ready for some hot tea if you haven’t been chugging it by the gallon already. This style of Korean lettuce wraps comes filled with meat, rice, veggies, and a zesty sauce called ssamjang that is downright delicious.
A Quick Guide to Eating Ssambap
Don’t go overboard with the fillings for your wraps. That’s the first thing you should know about them. After all, they’re supposed to be bite-sized. You’ve probably tried Korean-inspired tacos from your favorite food truck – well, these are not that different. Pick your leaf, then rip it apart (in half, though) if you think it’s too large. Add the rice and the protein of your choice (typically meat or seafood), and once that’s done, it’s time for the ssamjang. Only put a dollop, especially if you want to add other sauces and condiments to the mix.
The Style with Red Leaf Lettuce
Red leaf lettuce is the most popular choice for this dish, although it, clearly, isn’t the only one. Alternatives include parboiled cabbage, perilla leaves, and dried persimmon. If you’re looking for the flavors of fall, try using pumpkin leaves instead!
The Types of Rice Within
As with most kinds of Asian cuisine, rice is an indispensable ingredient. You can choose between white and brown (although we are confident that it would be amazing with saffron-spiced yellow rice!) It’s also a popular choice for a side dish if you don’t fancy the idea of putting rice inside lettuce. Making a low-carb version of this is also easy enough – just exclude the rice altogether. In its place, you can experiment with glass noodles, such as the kind you’d use with japchae, instead!
Meat and Seafood Fillings
Now then, let’s talk about common protein selections. Galbi (aka short ribs) and beef bulgogi (thin-sliced rib eye) are delicious options that are wildly popular. However, cooked chicken, raw fish, and seafood of all kinds present tasty alternatives if you don’t care for red meat. Maybe hold off on unconventional choices such as salted anchovies or oily mackerel. They might not sound the most appetizing, and trying to convince your family to give it a whirl will be much more difficult to do.
The Finishing Touches for Your Wrap
Ssamjang is the requisite sauce for ssambap. But, of course, you can go in other directions. Gochujang (fiery red pepper paste) and doenjang (soybean paste) are favored as well. And you can’t forget about kimchi!
Get All Your Asian Groceries at Lotte Plaza Market
Lotte Plaza Market is your go-to destination for all of your Korean and Asian grocery needs. With more than 10 Maryland and Virginia locations, this growing market is continually expanding and opening new markets to serve our customers better. Since we opened in 1976, our goal has always been to provide the best customer service and groceries to our customers. For answers to all of your questions, please email us at LottePlaza.com.