Samgyeopsal (삼겹살 - Grilled Pork Belly)

Recipe & Instructions (US Units)

Ingredients:

• 1.5 - 2 lbs thick-cut, uncured, unsmoked pork belly slices (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick)
• For Serving (Essential Accompaniments):
  • Fresh lettuce leaves (red leaf, green leaf, romaine, perilla leaves)
  • Ssamjang (쌈장 - Korean spicy dipping sauce made with doenjang, gochujang, garlic, sesame oil - store-bought or homemade)
  • Sesame oil mixed with salt and pepper (for dipping)
  • Sliced raw garlic
  • Sliced green chili peppers (optional)
  • Kimchi (often grilled alongside the pork)
  • Pickled radish slices (ssam mu) or other pickles
  • Green onion salad (Pajeori)
  • Cooked rice

Instructions:

1. Prepare Grill: Preheat a tabletop grill, specialized Korean BBQ grill pan with drainage, or an outdoor grill to medium heat. If using a pan without drainage, be prepared to carefully drain excess fat periodically.
2. Set the Table: Arrange all the serving accompaniments (lettuce, sauces, garlic, chilies, kimchi, side dishes, rice) in small bowls or platters around the grill for easy access.
3. Grill Pork Belly: Place pork belly slices on the preheated grill. Cook for several minutes per side, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the grill.
4. Cut Pork: Once cooked, use kitchen shears (traditional method) or tongs and a knife to cut the large pork belly strips into bite-sized pieces directly on the grill or after removing to a cutting board.
5. How to Eat (Ssam - Wrap):
   • Take a piece of lettuce or perilla leaf in your hand.
   • Add a piece of grilled pork belly.
   • Top with a dab of ssamjang and/or a dip in the sesame oil/salt mixture.
   • Add desired accompaniments like grilled kimchi, raw garlic slice, chili slice, or green onion salad.
   • Wrap it all up into a neat bundle (ssam) and eat in one bite!
6. Continue Grilling: Continue grilling pork belly slices as needed throughout the meal.

What Makes It Special:

Samgyeopsal is more than just a dish; it's a communal and interactive dining experience central to Korean food culture. The simple act of grilling thick, fatty pork belly at the table until crispy and golden, then wrapping it (ssam) with various pungent, spicy, fresh, and pickled accompaniments creates a perfect explosion of flavor and texture in one bite. The richness of the pork is balanced by the fresh vegetables and tangy/spicy sauces, making it incredibly addictive and a favorite for social gatherings.