What Is Samgyeopsal? Learn About This Korean Delicacy

May 20, 2024by Bokksu Staff

One of the most popular dishes in Korea also happens to include the most expensive meat cut in the country—pork belly. Samgyeopsal (also known as samgyupsal) is a delicious grilled pork belly dish that has been a quintessential Korean cuisine since the 1960s. This Korean barbeque pork belly is so prevalent in South Korea that it's said to be eaten about once every four days by the country's residents. There's even a Samgyeopsal day, celebrated every March 3rd, to promote the consumption of grilled pork belly in the country! In recent years, fueled by the surge in K-pop and Korean drama's popularity, samgyeopsal's fame extended beyond Korea's shores.

Find out what makes this delicacy so popular and how you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home!

What is Samgyeopsal-gui?

In Korean, samgyeopsal translates to "three layered pork", referring to the layers of meat and fat found in pork belly. This specific cut of meat is typically grilled (aka "gui"). On its own, Korean grilled pork belly has a simple, savory flavor. That's why it's served with Korean BBQ dipping sauces for a punch of flavor. When you bite into a succlunet piece of Korean grilled pork belly, you can expect a juicy, decadent, uber-tender piece of meat that seems to dissolve in your mouth. Paired with a Korean BBQ dipping sauce, and you're in for a real treat!

Flavors of Samgyeopsal

While the classic unseasoned grilled pork belly remains a timeless favorite, modern twists have emerged to elevate this beloved cuisine. Below is a quick guide of the various flavors you may find during your next visit at a Korean BBQ restaurant:

Samgyeopsal-gui

This type of samgyeopsal is the typical style you'll see on the menu. This grilled pork belly is prepared either plain or seasoned with a touch of salt. You'll find two types of meat cuts: thick, fatty slices with the skin on or thinly-sliced pork belly. These are grilled on a metal griddle with built-in charcoal grills or convex gas burners.

Grilled Pork Belly, Korean called the Samgyeopsal

Since the meat is usually not marinated or seasoned, it's often grilled alongside vegetables such as garlic, onions, and mushrooms to boost its flavors. It's served with dipping sauces like ssamjang (Korean spicy dipping sauce) and gireum-jang (sesame oil sauce), to further elevate its taste profile.

Moreover, this meal is also accompanied by a serving of hot steamed white rice and traditional Korean side dishes like kimchi and green onion salad, adding depth and variety to the dining experience.

Spicy Samgyeopsal

For those seeking an extra kick beyond dipping their grilled pork belly in ssamjang, there's a fiery alternative: pork belly marinated in gochujang, a spicy Korean chili paste, and a hint of sugar. This spicy yet sweet version offers a perfect balance of flavors, introducing an exciting twist to your Korean BBQ experience.

Non-Spicy Samgyeopsal

For those seeking less heat but want more flavor in their dish, newer twists on this Korean delicacy include pork belly marinated in a variety of sauces and spices. These non-spicy versions can range from pork belly marinated in curry, garlic, ginseng, or soybean to the classic bulgogi-inspired marinade, and more.

Popular Samgyeopsal Side Dishes

Samgyeopsal with a variety of side dishes

You can't have samgyeopsal without including traditional Korean side dishes, also known as "banchan". When visiting Korean BBQ restaurants, you can expect a spread of lettuce leaves, fresh garlic, kimchi, and thinly-sliced onions as typical side dishes. Let's delve into some popular side dishes that perfectly complement Korean grilled pork belly.

Kimchi

No Korean meal is complete without kimchi, the iconic fermented vegetable dish. It is often made from cabbage, radish, or other vegetables, and seasoned with chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and other spices. It offers a tangy, spicy, and slightly sour taste that cuts through the richness of grilled pork belly, offering a palate-cleansing element to the meal.

Wang Tinned Napa Cabbage Kimchi

Kimchi began as a way to preserve vegetables using a fermentation process. Now, it's a Korean staple in many households! This crunchy napa cabbage is a delicious way to add heat and a tangy taste to any dish. The best part? You can add kimchi to anything! Try it on rice, savory pancakes, and congee.

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Fresh Lettuce or Perilla Leaves

These additions bring a refreshing and nutritious touch to your BBQ experience. They contribute a crisp texture and a neutral base that allows you to create delicious wraps with grilled pork belly, garlic, dipping sauces, and other condiments.

Rice

Steamed white rice serves as a staple accompaniment to grilled pork belly. Its neutral flavor and fluffy texture provide a satisfying base for the savory pork belly and its sides.

Pa Muchim (Green Onion Salad)

This salad is a simple yet flavorful side dish made with thinly-sliced green onions seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and sesame seeds. It adds a fresh, crunchy texture and a savory-sweet taste that complements the grilled pork belly.

Grilled pork cartilage covered in red and spicy sauce, sliced on top of green onion salad

Algamja-jorim (Braised Baby Potatoes)

This dish, featuring braised baby potatoes in a savory soy sauce-based glaze with hints of sweetness, adds a hearty touch to your Korean BBQ spread, complementing the rich flavors of the grilled meat.

Eomuk Bokkeum (Fish Cakes)

The mild, savory taste with subtle seafood notes in fish cakes pairs well with the rich, fatty taste of grilled pork belly. Sometimes, these thinly-sliced fish cake strips are marinated in spicy marinades, adding an extra kick to the grilled pork belly.

Korean Barbecue Pork Belly Recipe

Purchased some Korean pork belly and want to recreate samgyeopsal at home? With a few simple steps and the right techniques, you can create a mouthwatering samgyeopsal experience that rivals your favorite Korean BBQ restaurant. Here’s how to make this popular Korean cuisine at home.

Samgyeopsal Ingredients

To start preparing your homemade grilled Korean pork belly, begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients. While pork belly is the main component of samgyeopsal, we've also included the ingredients for the sauce and side dishes for a complete Korean BBQ experience. You'll need the following:

Pork belly
Garlic
Fresh lettuce or perilla leaves
Sesame Oil
Salt
Black Pepper
Ssamjang (spicy dipping sauce)
Optional: kimchi, other vegetables (mushrooms, chili peppers, etc.), steamed white rice

How to Make Samgyeopsal

Opt for fresh pork belly slices with a good balance of meat and fat for juicy and flavorful results. Before cooking the pork belly, pat skin dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This technique helps in achieving a crispy texture during grilling.

If you're using a Korean BBQ grill or tabletop grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. Alternatively, a grill pan or skillet on the stovetop can also be used effectively. Begin by lightly greasing the grill pan with oil by rubbing one piece of pork on it to prevent sticking before adding the rest of the meat. Arrange the pork belly slices on the grill pan and cook each side until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy texture. You may enhance the flavor by adding garlic and other vegetables during grilling.

Samgyeopsal or Korean BBQ , pork belly on grilling pan

As the pork cooks, you may use kitchen scissors to cut the strips into bite-sized pieces. Korean grill pans typically feature a drainage hole for fat to collect in a drip pan. However, if you're using a regular pan, remember to use a paper towel to absorb excess fat to prevent smoking.

Dipping Sauce

As the pork belly grills, take a moment to prepare your dipping sauces. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, ssamjang sauce is a must-have. To make ssamjang, combine doenjang (thick fermented soybean paste), gochujang (red chili paste), minced fresh garlic, chopped onions, sesame oil, and honey, or sugar. Alternatively, you can find ready-made version of ssamjang in Korean or Asian grocery stores.

For a milder flavor profile, you may reduce the amount of gochujang in your ssamjang sauce, Or, you can skip the gochujang altogether and opt for gireum-jang or sesame oil sauce. This sauce typically consists of sesame oil, salt, and occasionally a hint of garlic for depth of flavor. It's not spicy but rather enhances the inherent flavors of grilled pork belly. Plus, it's incredibly simple to prepare. To make sesame oil sauce, just combine 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and add black pepper to taste.

Side Dishes

Preparing side dishes add an extra layer of enjoyment to your Korean BBQ experience. To start, rinse the lettuce (or perilla) leaves under cold water to remove any dirt and debris. Gently separate the lettuce leaves from the head, being careful not to tear them, and select larger leaves capable of comfortable holding the grilled pork belly and other condiments. Next, fill a large bowl with cold water and submerge the lettuce leaves, gently swishing them around to remove any remaining impurities. After washing, shake off excess water or pat the leaves gently with a clean kitchen towel to remove moisture. Arrange the prepared lettuce leaves on a plate and set aside for serving.

Korean barbecue pork belly with deodeok, Samgyeopsal-gui

While grilled pork belly is delicious on its own or with dipping sauce, the dining experience reaches new heights when paired with an array of flavorful sides. Traditional Korean accompaniments such as green onion salad and braised baby potatoes can be easily made at home using available online recipes. For kimchi, you can conveniently purchase packed versions from Korean or Asian grocery stores.

Although these sides are optional, we highly recommend including them to fully embrace the authentic Korean BBQ experience. It's advisable to prepare these side dishes prior grilling, so that you can focus on cooking the pork belly. You won't want to take your attention off the grilling process for too long.

How to Eat Grilled Pork Belly

To enjoy samgyeopsal like a true Korean, start by dipping a piece of cooked meat in sesame oil sauce. Then, wrap it in a lettuce leaf along with a dollop of ssamjang and sliced garlic. You can also add your favorite vegetables or kimchi. Fold the leaf around the filling to create a wrap, known as "ssambap" in Korean. Take a bite and relish the blend of flavors and textures in your mouth.

Tips For Preparing Samgyeopsal

To ensure your samgyeopsal grilling experience is a delightful success, here are some tips and techniques for preparing this flavorful delicacy at home.

The foundation of great samgyeopsal starts with high-quality pork belly. Look for fresh, thinly-sliced pork belly from a reputable butcher or grocery store. Freshness and thickness of the slices are key factors for achieving tender, juicy results on the grill.

South Korea food Marinated Grilled Spareribs pork

While traditional Korean grilled pork belly is often enjoyed without marination to let the natural flavors shine, you can enhance the taste by marinating the pork belly. A simple marinate of soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar and salt can add depth and richness to the meat. Don't be afraid to experiment with different marinades, spices, and dipping sauces to customize the taste of your Korean grilled pork belly.

Before placing the pork belly on the grill, ensure it's preheated to medium-high heat. A hot surface helps to sear the meat quickly, locking in juices and creating that desirable crispy exterior. Because of its thin slices, pork belly cooks relatively quickly. Aim for about 2-3 minutes per side. Make sure to flip each side using a grill tong for even doneness. Grill in small batches to ensure each slice of meat cooks evenly. Korean grilled pork belly is best enjoyed fresh off the grill so serve and eat it immediately while it's hot and sizzling.

Do’s + Don’ts

To fully enjoy and appreciate this Korean cuisine, here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

Do opt for fresh ingredients, both for the pork belly used in grilling and the selection of vegetables, to guarantee the highest quality and taste.
Don't settle for frozen or low-quality meat, as it can significantly impact the overall taste and texture of your dish.
Don’t cut off the fat from the pork belly – it helps create flavor and keep the meat moist while cooking!
Do get creative and add your own twist when crafting a marinade for this classic dish.
Don't marinate the meat for longer than 48 hours, as it can start breaking the meat down.
Do ensure to preheat the grill or pan before placing the meat to achieve ideal cooking and flavor.
Don't let the grill or pan cool down between batches of grilling, as consistent heat is essential for proper cooking.
Do grill pork belly until it achieves a crispy exterior while remaining tender and juicy inside.
Don't overcook the pork belly, as it may become tough and lose its juicy tenderness.
Do grill in small batches to avoid overcrowding the grill or pan, allowing each slice to cook evenly.
Do invite friends and family to share in the delightful Korean BBQ experience together!

Extra Ingredients for Flavor

Here are a few additional ingredients to provide more flavor to your dish! You can include these ingredients in the marinade or dipping sauce.

Fresh garlic
Ganjang Korean Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Grated ginger
Curry powder
Sliced green chili peppers

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Still on the hunt for more Korean sauces to help make your homemade samgyeopsal flavorful? Check out Bokksu Market, your ultimate online destination for Asian culinary delights. Discover a wide range of sauces, kimchi that perfectly complement samgyeopsal, and other delectable Korean snacks to keep you satisfied until your Korean BBQ is ready to eat.

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