1. Introduction
Ssam (쌈), derived from the Korean verb "싸다”,
meaning "to wrap," is a traditional way of eating in which meat,
rice, or condiments are wrapped in leafy vegetables or seaweed. In Korean
cuisine, ssam is essential to grilled meats, enhancing flavor and texture.
Various
greens, including lettuce, perilla leaves, and cabbage, are commonly used,
paired with grilled meat, rice, toppings, and ssamjang (쌈장, a savory dipping sauce). Wrapping meat in fresh greens balances
its richness and adds a refreshing contrast, making each bite more enjoyable
and nutritious.
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| Ssam - Pork Bossam [Photo Credit] Flickr, Alpha |
How
diverse is the world of ssam? Let's explore the many variations of this beloved
Korean tradition, from meat wraps to seafood wraps and even rice-based wraps.
2. Origins of Ssam
The
tradition of wrapping food in leaves is believed to have existed before
the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392), with written records appearing in the late
Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897).
The
historical text Dongguk Sesigi (동국세시기) describes a tradition where people ate
"bokssam (복쌈)," wrapping rice in leafy greens
on the day of Daeboreum (대보름, the first full moon
of the lunar year) to wish for a prosperous harvest. Another record
from Sangwon Rigok (상원리곡) describes a scene where families gather to enjoy ssam together:
"Wrapping in Gomchwi (곰취, Korean
butterbur), wrapping in seaweed, the whole family sits around, young and old
alike, enjoying their meal together."
This
indicates that ssam was more than just a meal—it was a communal dish that
brought families together. Over time, ssam evolved from a simple rice wrap to
an elaborate dish incorporating meat, seafood, and various vegetables,
adapting to modern tastes while retaining its cultural significance.
3. The Diversity of Ssam: Types & Regional Variations
Ssam is
an incredibly versatile dish, with each region in Korea having its unique
approach. The type of leafy greens and condiments used can vary significantly:
- Jeolla
Province (전라도):
Prefers baechu ssam (배추쌈), using napa cabbage
leaves.
- Gyeongsang
Province (경상도):
Known for its love of perilla leaf wraps (깻잎쌈).
- Jeju
Island (제주도):
Features seaweed-based wraps (톳쌈, tot-ssam),
reflecting the island's coastal influence.
While
the classic ssam consists of grilled meat, leafy greens, and ssamjang,
additional ingredients like garlic, spicy peppers, doenjang (된장, fermented soybean paste), and rice can be included for a
personalized experience. The beauty of ssam lies in its customizability,
allowing each person to create their perfect bite.
3-1. Vegetable-Based Ssam
The most
common type of ssam features fresh or blanched vegetables as the
wrapping base. This method highlights the balance of textures and flavors,
making the meal both refreshing and satisfying.
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| Various Types of Lettuce and Chili Peppers [Photo Credit] Flickr MorningHoney |
- Lettuce
Wrap (상추쌈): The most
well-known ssam ingredient, offering a soft yet slightly bitter taste.
- Perilla
Leaf Wrap (깻잎쌈):
Known for its distinct aroma, enhancing grilled meat's flavor.
- Cabbage
Wrap (배추쌈): Blanched
napa cabbage creates a soft and naturally sweet wrap.
- Cabbage
Leaf Wrap (양배추쌈):
Boiled cabbage is easy to digest and has a mildly sweet taste.
- Chive
Wrap (부추쌈):
The slightly spicy chives help cut through the richness of fatty
meats.
- Pickled
Radish Wrap (무쌈):
Thinly sliced pickled radish provides a crisp texture and a
tangy contrast to grilled dishes.
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| Mussam (Korean Radish Wrap) [Photo Credit] Wikimedia Commons, GreenFrog |
3-2. Seaweed-Based Ssam
Seaweed
wraps bring a unique oceanic flavor to the dish, offering both umami
and a satisfying chewiness.
- Dried
Seaweed Wrap (김쌈):
This can be used to wrap rice, similar to kimbap, or grilled meat for
an extra crispy texture.
- Blanched
Seaweed Wrap (미역쌈): Soft
and chewy, often used with seafood or rice.
- Kelp
Wrap (다시마쌈): Lightly
blanched kelp enhances savory depth and natural umami flavors.
3-3. Grain-Based Ssam
Unlike
traditional wraps that use vegetables, some ssam variations focus on
wrapping grains and rice, creating a wholesome and textured bite.
- Barley
Rice Wrap (보리밥쌈):
Wrapping barley rice in perilla or lettuce gives a nutty
and chewy texture.
- Brown
Rice Wrap (현미쌈):
A healthy and hearty choice known for its chewy texture and rich
aroma.
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| Rice Wrap [Photo Credit] Flickr, Young Sok Yun |
3-4. Seafood-Based Ssam
Fresh
fish and seafood make for excellent ssam ingredients, adding a refreshing,
oceanic twist to traditional wraps.
- Hoe
Ssam (회쌈): Slices of
raw fish like flounder, rockfish, or salmon wrapped in lettuce or perilla
leaves and paired with spicy cho-gochujang (vinegared red pepper paste).
- Sea
Pineapple Ssam (멍게쌈):
The briny, umami-packed taste of sea pineapple pairs beautifully with the
herbal notes of perilla leaves.
- Abalone Ssam (전복쌈): Thinly sliced abalone wrapped in blanched kelp or dried seaweed enhances its natural umami flavor.
3-5. Unique & Special Ssam Variations
Beyond
traditional meat and seafood wraps, ssam can feature alternative ingredients
for a unique culinary experience.
- Acorn
Jelly Wrap (묵쌈): A
nutritious option where acorn or buckwheat jelly slices are wrapped in fresh
greens.
- Tofu
Wrap (두부쌈): Soft
tofu wrapped in perilla or napa cabbage for a light yet flavorful bite.
- Vietnamese
Spring Rolls (월남쌈):
A Vietnamese-inspired variation where rice paper encases fresh vegetables,
herbs, and proteins.
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| Vietnamese Spring Rolls and Peanut Sauce [Photo Credit] Pexels Photo |
4. Health Benefits of Ssam
Ssam is a
flavorful way to enjoy food and a nutritious and well-balanced meal
option. By incorporating fresh vegetables with protein-rich fillings, it
provides a host of health benefits:
- Weight
Management: Using leafy greens instead of rice helps reduce
carbohydrate intake while filling meals.
- Improved
Digestion: Rich in dietary fiber, ssam aids digestion and promotes gut
health.
- Immune
Boosting: Many leafy greens in ssam contain antioxidants,
vitamins, and minerals that help strengthen the immune system.
• Perilla leaves, chives, and
cabbage are exceptionally high in iron and calcium, making them an
excellent pairing with protein-rich meats.
5. Essential Ssam Sauces
A great ssam experience isn’t just about the wrap and the sauce! Choosing the proper sauce can transform your ssam flavor profile.
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| Ssam Vegetables and Ssamjang [Photo Credit] Wikimedia Commons, Wizdata |
Popular
Ssam Sauces
- Ssamjang
(쌈장): This is
the classic scam dip made from doenjang (fermented soybean
paste) and gochujang (red chili paste). It is often mixed with garlic, sesame
oil, and sesame seeds for extra depth.
- Cho-gochujang
(초고추장): A sweet
and tangy red pepper paste perfect for seafood-based wraps.
- Garlic
Soy Sauce (마늘간장소스):
This light yet flavorful sauce complements perilla leaf or napa cabbage
wraps.
- Sesame
Oil & Salt Dip (참기름소금장): This simple yet nutty dipping sauce pairs wonderfully
with smoked duck or tofu wraps.
Since
each sauce has different flavors, experimenting with various combinations
can elevate your ssam experience!
6. The Cultural Significance of Ssam
Ssam is
more than just a way of eating—it reflects Korean culture, family bonding,
and the spirit of sharing.
A common
sight at Korean dining tables is family and friends gathering around a
grill, wrapping ssam for one another, and sharing stories over a delicious meal.
Wrapping food in leafy greens and offering it to someone is a gesture of care
and hospitality deeply ingrained in Korean food culture.
As
Korean cuisine gains global popularity, ssam has become a staple in many
Korean restaurants worldwide, mainly when serving dishes like samgyeopsal
(grilled pork belly) and bossam (보쌈, boiled pork wraps).
With
endless variations based on greens, proteins, and sauces, ssam is a personalized and interactive
dining experience that anyone can enjoy.
What
Kind of Ssam Will You Try Today?
Experiment
with different combinations and savor the natural flavors in every bite!
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