Yangnyumjang Korean Everything Sauce Recipe & Video
If you’ve never heard of Yangnyumjang before, you’re about to discover your new favorite sauce! Yangnyumjang is a Korean everything sauce that can literally be used on just about anything. Whether you’re looking to spice up a simple bowl of rice, add some flavor to your eggs, or give your tofu a tasty twist, this sauce has got you covered. Keep reading to learn how to make this versatile sauce at home and see why it’s become a staple in my kitchen.
What is Yangnyumjang?
Yangnyumjang is a flavor-packed Korean sauce that brings together savory, spicy, and tangy notes in a perfect balance. The key ingredients include soy sauce, garlic, onions, and gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes), which together create a sauce that’s bursting with flavor. What makes this sauce even more amazing is that it’s super easy to make, and you can store it in your fridge to have on hand whenever you need a quick and delicious flavor boost.
Health Benefits of Onion in Yangnyumjang
Onions, one of the main ingredients in Yangnyumjang, are not only flavorful but also packed with health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and boost your immune system. Onions are also known to improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and reducing cholesterol levels. So, by adding onions to your Yangnyumjang, you’re not just enhancing the flavor—you’re also adding a nutritious element to your meals.
Ingredients for Yangnyumjang
To make this Korean everything sauce, you’ll need:
- 1/2 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 to 2 jalapeno, Serrano, or Thai chili to your taste, chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 1/2 tbsp maesilaek (Korean green plum extract) or cranberry juice
- 3 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
- Sesame oil and seeds to serve
How to Make Yangnyumjang
Mix It Up:
Start by combining all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Make sure to mix everything well so that the flavors meld together nicely. The key to a good Yangnyumjang is making sure each ingredient is evenly distributed.
Let It Rest:
Once you’ve mixed the ingredients, let the sauce sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors to develop and intensify, making the sauce even more delicious.
Finish with Sesame Oil & Seeds:
Just before serving, add a generous amount of sesame oil and sesame seeds. I personally love using wild sesame oil (Deulgireum) for an extra nutty flavor. Adding the sesame oil at the last minute keeps the sauce fresh and extends its shelf life in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within the first 7 days, but trust me, it won’t last that long because you’ll want to put it on everything!
How to Use Yangnyumjang
Yangnyumjang is incredibly versatile, making it the ultimate go-to sauce in any kitchen. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:
- With Roasted Seaweed: Wrap some rice and Yangnyumjang in roasted seaweed (not seasoned) for a simple yet satisfying snack. This is my absolute favorite way to enjoy it!
- On Rice: Pour it over steamed rice for a quick and flavorful meal. It’s the easiest way to elevate plain rice.
- On Eggs: Drizzle it over a fried egg for an instant upgrade. The spicy and savory flavors of Yangnyumjang pair perfectly with the richness of the egg.
- With Tofu: Pair it with fried tofu or cold silken tofu for a protein-packed dish. The sauce adds just the right amount of kick to the mild flavor of tofu.
- In Bibimbap: Mix it into your bibimbap instead of gochujang for a different flavor profile that’s just as delicious.
- On Anything & Everything: Seriously, this sauce works on almost anything that needs a boost of flavor and texture!
There You Have It!
Yangnyumjang is truly the sauce that can do it all. Make a batch, keep it in the fridge, and you’ll always have a quick and easy way to transform any dish into something special. Whether you’re new to Korean flavors or a seasoned fan, Yangnyumjang is a must-have in your kitchen arsenal. Happy cooking!
Yangnyumjang Korean Everything Sauce
- Total Time: 5 mis
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 to 2 jalapeno, Serrano, or Thai chili to your taste, chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 1/2 tbsp maesilaek (Korean green plum extract) or cranberry juice
- 3 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
- Sesame oil and seeds to serve
Instructions
- Mix It Up:
Start by combining all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Make sure to mix everything well so that the flavors meld together nicely. The key to a good Yangnyumjang is making sure each ingredient is evenly distributed. - Let It Rest:
Once you’ve mixed the ingredients, let the sauce sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors to develop and intensify, making the sauce even more delicious. - Finish with a Twist:
Just before serving, add a generous amount of sesame oil and sesame seeds. I personally love using wild sesame oil (Deulgireum) for an extra nutty flavor. Adding the sesame oil at the last minute keeps the sauce fresh and extends its shelf life in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within the first 7 days.
Notes
Sesame seeds and oil are not included in the nutritional facts.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
