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Korean ingredient guide

How to buy and use Yangjo Ganjang

Brewed Soy Sauce, 양조간장

Yangjo Ganjang is one of those ingredients that makes Korean cooking at home easier. This guide explains how to use it, where to find it, and which recipes work well with it.

Yangjo Ganjang(Brewed Soy Sauce, 양조간장)

At a glance

  • Buy: Asian grocery store, Korean online shop
  • Use for: Korean home cooking, Banchan and side dishes, Easy everyday meals
  • Tip: Check the ingredient list and flavor.

What is this ingredient?

Yangjo Ganjang is one of the types of soy sauce used in Korean cuisine. It can be confusing to choose the right soy sauce because Korean soy sauces are typically divided into three categories:

  1. Guk Ganjang (Soup Soy Sauce):

    • Used primarily for soups, with a saltier flavor than Jin Ganjang or Yangjo Ganjang.

    • Best remembered as suitable only for broth-based dishes (occasionally used in salads or dressings as well).

  2. Jin Ganjang & Yangjo Ganjang:

    • Jin Ganjang is commonly used for cooked dishes such as stir-fries and braises.

    • Yangjo Ganjang is ideal for uncooked dishes like dressings, dips, or salads.

    • While the two differ in fermentation and aging processes, they can substitute for each other in most recipes.

Most Koreans use Jin Ganjang more often, but Yangjo Ganjang is prized for its naturally fermented depth of flavor, making it a great choice for dishes where heating isn't involved.

Where to buy it

  • Asian grocery store
  • Korean online shop
  • Large supermarkets with an Asian food section

How to use it

  • Korean home cooking
  • Banchan and side dishes
  • Easy everyday meals

What to check

  • Check the ingredient list and flavor.
  • Start with a small package if you are new to it.
  • Store it according to the package instructions after opening.

Can you substitute it?

If you cannot find it, use a simple alternative and adjust the flavor carefully. Fermented ingredients are often hard to replace exactly.

My shopping notes for this ingredient

I keep products here that I buy myself or use in everyday cooking.

Sempio Soy Sauce Naturally Brewed 501S (500 ml)

Sempio Soy Sauce Naturally Brewed 501S (500 ml)

I mainly use this naturally brewed soy sauce from Sempio for uncooked sauces and seasonings, like salad dressings, mixed vegetable side dishes, and cold dishes. It has a clean, gentle flavor that works well without heating.

Recipes using this ingredient

Frequently asked questions

Where can I buy Yangjo Ganjang?

You can usually find Yangjo Ganjang in Asian grocery stores, Korean online shops, or larger supermarkets with a good Asian food section.

How do I use Yangjo Ganjang?

Korean home cooking, Banchan and side dishes, Easy everyday meals

Can I substitute Yangjo Ganjang?

If you cannot find it, use a simple alternative and adjust the flavor carefully. Fermented ingredients are often hard to replace exactly.

How should I store Yangjo Ganjang?

Always follow the package instructions. Many Korean pastes and opened products keep best sealed in the fridge.