Authentic Korean Samgyeopsal Recipe: A Grilled Pork Belly Delight

Ingredients

600g of Pork Belly
200g of Fresh Lettuce
200g of Perilla Leaves
2 Green Chili Peppers
2 Red Chili Peppers
2 Cloves of Garlic
1 Onion
1 Green Onion
1/2 Cup of Soybean Paste
1/4 Cup of Red Pepper Paste
2 Tablespoons of Sesame Oil
2 Tablespoons of Honey
1/2 Cup of Ssamjang (Korean BBQ sauce)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

Prepare the grill or pan over medium-high heat.
Cut the pork belly into bite-sized pieces.
Place the pork belly on the grill or pan, and cook until golden brown.
While the pork belly is cooking, slice the green and red chili peppers, garlic, onion, and green onion.
In a bowl, mix the soybean paste, red pepper paste, sesame oil, and honey to create the dipping sauce.
Once the pork belly is cooked, remove from the grill or pan and season with salt and pepper.
Place a piece of lettuce or perilla leaf in your hand, add a piece of cooked pork belly, and top with the sliced vegetables and a dollop of dipping sauce.
Fold the lettuce or perilla leaf over the fillings and enjoy your samgyeopsal!

Tools for making

Grill or Pan - A cooking surface to cook the pork belly.
Tongs - Used to flip and handle the pork belly while cooking.
Knife - To cut the pork belly and vegetables.
Cutting Board - To safely chop and prep ingredients.
Bowl - To mix the dipping sauce.
Grill Brush - For cleaning the grill after cooking.
Plates and Bowls - To serve the cooked samgyeopsal and other ingredients.
Chopsticks - Used to assemble and eat samgyeopsal.
Serving Platter - To present the cooked pork belly and vegetables.

Recipe variations

Marinate the pork belly in a Korean BBQ marinade before grilling.
Use beef or chicken instead of pork belly for a different protein option.
Add sliced mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms, to the grill for extra flavor.
Wrap the samgyeopsal in rice paper wrappers instead of lettuce or perilla leaves.
Create a spicy pork marinade using gochujang (Korean red pepper paste), garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Add grated ginger to the dipping sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
Grill slices of pineapple or add pineapple chunks to the filling for a sweet and tangy twist.
Replace the pork belly with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan option.
Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as a citrus-soy sauce or a sesame-soy sauce.
Top the samgyeopsal with kimchi or pickled vegetables for added crunch and tanginess.

Recipe overview

Samgyeopsal is a popular Korean BBQ dish that is enjoyed at home and at restaurants. The name 'Samgyeopsal' translates to 'three-layered meat', referring to the striations of lean meat and fat in the pork belly, which is the main ingredient of this dish. In this recipe, you'll learn how to prepare and cook Samgyeopsal. After grilling the pork belly, it is typically eaten with a dip in ssamjang (Korean bbq sauce), and wrapped in lettuce or perilla leaves along with fresh, spicy, or pickled vegetables. This creates a well-balanced bite of meat, fresh vegetables, and delectable sauce. Samgyeopsal is not just about eating grilled meat, but also about the experience of cooking and eating together with family or friends. It's an interactive and entertaining dining experience where everyone grills their own meat. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Common questions

How long does it take to cook pork belly for samgyeopsal? - The cooking time for pork belly can vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the heat of the grill or pan. Generally, it takes about 3-5 minutes per side to cook the pork belly until it is golden brown and crispy.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork belly? - While pork belly is the traditional meat used for samgyeopsal, you can also use other cuts of pork such as pork shoulder or pork loin. However, the texture and taste may differ slightly from the authentic samgyeopsal.
What can I substitute for lettuce and perilla leaves? - If you cannot find lettuce or perilla leaves, you can use other leafy greens such as spinach or kale as a substitute. Alternatively, you can wrap the pork belly and toppings in a tortilla or rice paper for an alternative presentation.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dipping sauce? - Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the dipping sauce by adding more or less red pepper paste (gochujang) according to your preference. You can also add a small amount of sugar or honey to balance the flavors if desired.
Can I marinate the pork belly before cooking? - Traditional samgyeopsal is not marinated before cooking, but if you prefer a more seasoned flavor, you can marinate the pork belly in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sugar for 1-2 hours before grilling.
What side dishes go well with samgyeopsal? - Popular side dishes to serve with samgyeopsal include kimchi, pickled radishes, sliced onions, and ssamjang (Korean BBQ sauce). Additionally, steamed rice and Korean-style salads make great accompaniments to complete the meal.

Serving dishes and utensils

Grill or Pan - A grill or pan is needed to cook the pork belly.
Tongs - Tongs are essential for flipping and handling the pork belly on the grill or pan.
Knife - A knife is necessary to cut the pork belly into bite-sized pieces.
Cutting Board - A cutting board provides a surface to safely cut and prepare the ingredients.
Bowl - A bowl is needed to mix the dipping sauce.
Grill Brush - A grill brush can be used to clean the grill after cooking.
Plates - Plates are essential for serving the cooked pork belly, vegetables, and dipping sauce.
Chopsticks - Chopsticks are commonly used for picking up and eating the samgyeopsal rolls.
Serving Platter - A serving platter can be used to present the lettuce, perilla leaves, and other toppings.
Dipping Sauce Bowls - Small bowls can be used to hold individual portions of the dipping sauce.

Origin stories

Samgyeopsal is a popular dish in South Korea, adored by locals and tourists alike for its mouth-watering taste and unique dining experience. Its name, "Samgyeopsal", literally translates to "three layered meat", describing its appearance of lean meat and fat. This dish not only satiates hunger, but also brings people together. In Korea, eating Samgyeopsal is a social activity. Groups of friends or family gather around a grill, cooking and eating together. The act of grilling the meat, creating lettuce wraps, and sharing food is a symbol of camaraderie and unity in Korean culture. So when you indulge in Samgyeopsal, you're not just enjoying a meal, you're partaking in a cultural tradition of togetherness.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.