Introduction

Ganjang dressing (간장 드레싱) is a light, tangy salad dressing made with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, oil and grated onion. In Korea, bottled versions are often labeled “oriental dressing,” and you will taste something like it on the side salad at family restaurants, Korean BBQ places and cafeterias. It is sweet, salty and sour all at once, and because it uses pantry staples like ganjang, it takes only five minutes to make at home.

Ganjang Dressing at a Glance

What it is

• A Korean soy-based vinaigrette for salads and cold dishes

Main ingredients

• Soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, oil, grated onion, sesame oil and sesame seeds

Taste

• Bright, tangy, salty-sweet and nutty

Main uses

• Green salads, tofu salad, cold noodles, grilled meat salads, steamed vegetables

What is Ganjang Dressing Made Of?

The basic formula is roughly equal parts soy sauce, vinegar and sugar, loosened with oil and flavored with onion. Popular variations:

• Onion ganjang dressing: grated or blended onion for a sweet, savory body – the version below.
• Sesame ganjang dressing: extra sesame oil and ground sesame seeds for a nuttier taste.
• Citrus ganjang dressing: lemon juice or yuja instead of some vinegar.
• Wasabi ganjang dressing: a little wasabi for a sharp kick, great with seafood salads.

What Does Ganjang Dressing Taste Like?

The first taste is tangy and lightly sweet, followed by the savory depth of soy sauce and the gentle sharpness of onion. A few drops of sesame oil give it a toasty Korean finish. It is lighter than creamy dressings, so it keeps crisp leaves fresh and refreshing.

Popular Korean Dishes That Use Ganjang Dressing

Korean Green Salad

Mixed lettuce, cucumber and onion with ganjang dressing – the recipe below.

Dubu Salad (Tofu Salad)

Pan-fried or soft tofu over greens with soy dressing – see also our chamkkae dressing for a creamy option.

Samgyeopsal Salad

Grilled pork belly served on dressed greens, a lighter way to eat Korean BBQ.

Cold Noodle Salads

Thin wheat or buckwheat noodles tossed with vegetables and soy dressing for a non-spicy summer dish.

Easy Korean Green Salad Recipe (Serves 2)

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed lettuce or baby greens
• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/4 red onion, very thinly sliced and soaked in cold water 5 minutes
• 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
• A few perilla or shiso leaves, shredded (optional)

Ganjang Dressing

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp vinegar (rice or apple cider)
• 1 1/2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp neutral oil (such as grapeseed or canola)
• 2 tbsp finely grated onion
• 1 tsp sesame oil and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Whisk the soy sauce, vinegar and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
2. Whisk in the oil, grated onion, sesame oil and sesame seeds. Taste and adjust – more sugar for sweeter, more vinegar for tangier.
3. Wash and dry the greens well; drain the soaked onion and pat dry.
4. Arrange the greens, cucumber, onion and tomatoes in a bowl.
5. Pour the dressing over just before serving and toss gently.

Tip: Let the dressing rest 10 minutes before using – the onion softens and the flavors blend. Dry greens are key; wet leaves water the dressing down.

Where to Buy Ganjang Dressing

United States

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Amazon
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H-Mart
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Canada

Search soy sauce dressing on Amazon.ca

Europe

Search soy sauce dressing on Amazon.co.uk

How to Store Ganjang Dressing

Keep homemade dressing in a clean, sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week (fresh onion shortens its life). Shake well before using. Bottled dressings should be refrigerated after opening and used by the date on the label.

Ganjang Dressing FAQ

What is Korean “oriental dressing”?

It is the name Korean brands often use for bottled soy-based salad dressing – essentially a ready-made ganjang dressing.

Is ganjang dressing the same as cho-ganjang?

They are related. Cho-ganjang is a dipping sauce of soy sauce and vinegar; ganjang dressing adds oil, sugar and onion so it coats salad leaves.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes. Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Conclusion

Ganjang dressing is the easiest Korean sauce to add to your weekly routine: five pantry ingredients, five minutes, and plain greens taste like a Korean restaurant side salad. Try it with grilled meat or tofu, too. For a spicy salad option, see our pajeori dressing guide.