How to Make Korean Ssambap (쌈밥): Rice and Wraps with Bold Flavors

How to Make Korean Ssambap (쌈밥): Rice and Wraps with Bold Flavors

Ssambap (쌈밥) is one of Korea’s most balanced and satisfying meals — literally meaning "wrapped rice." It’s a customizable dish where warm rice, savory protein, and flavorful sauces are wrapped in fresh leafy greens like lettuce, perilla leaves, or cabbage. Think of it as the Korean version of a handheld meal: healthy, interactive, and packed with flavor.

In this recipe, I’ll show you how to prepare a simple but delicious ssambap platter at home, including grilled meat, ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce), and suggested vegetable wraps.

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What Is Ssambap?

Ssambap (쌈밥) is a traditional Korean dish made by wrapping rice and fillings in leafy vegetables. It’s commonly served with grilled pork belly (samgyeopsal), bulgogi, or spicy pork, along with a dollop of ssamjang, a thick savory-spicy sauce.

A typical ssambap platter includes:

• Steamed short-grain rice
• Grilled or sautéed meat (pork, beef, tofu)
• Ssamjang (seasoned soybean paste)
• Raw or blanched leafy greens for wrapping
• Assorted toppings like garlic, chili, or kimchi

Ssambap is nutritious, low-carb, and fun to eat — great for family meals or group gatherings.

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Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For Wraps:

• 1 head red or green leaf lettuce
• 1 bunch perilla leaves (kkaennip)
• Optional: cabbage leaves (blanched) or napa cabbage

For Protein:

• 300g pork belly (samgyeopsal) or bulgogi beef
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: garlic cloves, green chili peppers (sliced), sesame oil

For Ssamjang (Dipping Sauce):

• 1 tbsp doenjang (soybean paste)
• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar or honey
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp finely chopped green onion
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

For Rice:

• 1.5 cups steamed short-grain rice (white or brown)

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How to Make Ssambap – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

• Wash lettuce, perilla leaves, and optional cabbage.
• Drain and arrange on a serving platter.
• If using cabbage, blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds and cool.

Step 2: Make the Ssamjang

• In a small bowl, mix all ssamjang ingredients until well blended.
• Adjust sweetness or spice to taste.

Step 3: Cook the Protein

• Season meat lightly with salt and pepper.
• Grill, pan-fry, or sauté pork belly or bulgogi until cooked through.
• Slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Assemble Your Ssambap Platter

• Arrange vegetables, cooked meat, sliced garlic, chili peppers, kimchi, ssamjang, and rice.
• Serve warm with small plates for personal wrapping.

Step 5: How to Eat Ssambap

• Place one leaf in your palm.
• Add rice, meat, a small spoonful of ssamjang, and desired toppings.
• Fold and eat in one bite!

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Tips for the Best Ssambap

• Use a variety of greens for flavor and texture.
• Serve warm rice — it binds well with the wrap.
• Keep portions small so wraps are bite-sized.
• Make vegetarian versions with grilled tofu or mushrooms.
• Offer pickled radish or kimchi for added acidity.

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Final Thoughts

Ssambap is not only delicious but also a healthy and fun way to enjoy Korean food. It’s highly customizable, perfect for group meals, and a great introduction to Korean flavors.

Try this ssambap recipe at home and discover how satisfying a bite-sized wrap of rice, meat, and sauce can be!

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