Spicy Soy Seasoning Sauce (Maeun-yangnyeomganjang)

This seasoning sauce adds flavor to a number of dishes in this book, including Bibimbap, Soybean Sprout Rice, Steamed Oysters with Rice, and Roasted Porgy. For a mild version, omit the hot pepper flakes.

Makes about ⅓ cup

INGREDIENTS:

• ¼ cup soy sauce 2 or 3 scallions, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons Korean hot pepper flakes (gochu-garu; optional)
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine the soy sauce, scallions, garlic, sugar, hot pepper flakes (if using), sesame seeds, and sesame oil in a bowl.
2. Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 1 week