Samgyeopsal: The Juicy, Delicious Grilled Pork Belly Dish You Have to Try in Korea
If you ever get the chance to visit Korea, make sure that one of the items on your food to-do list is sampling some samgyeopsal. Translated literally as "grilled pork belly," this succulent dish simply must be experienced. With its juicy flavor, crispy texture, and a hint of smokiness to top it off, it's no wonder why samgyeopsal is beloved by locals and is becoming increasingly popular among visitors too.
What is Samgyeopsal?
Samgyeopsal is thick slices of pork belly cut into strips and grilled on a BBQ. Before grilling, many restaurants or hawkers marinate the strips in a variety of spices. This marinade helps to create the flavor, tenderness, and texture of the dish. The most popular spices used in marinating samgyeopsal include garlic, gochujang (red chili pepper paste), soy sauce, salt, pepper, and sesame oil. The meat is then grilled over charcoal and served with other toppings, such as lettuce, ssamjang (a spicy-sweet sauce), and perilla leaves.
Typically, samgyeopsal is served with complimentary side dishes, including cooked vegetables, kimchi, and egg rolls. Sometimes, seafood such as shrimp, squid, and crab is served alongside the pork. There is little need to worry about being served leftovers, as the servings of samgyeopsal tend to be generous. Most Koreans prefer to grill the meat on their own, and these restaurants often come complete with a proper charcoal grill and plenty of side dishes.
Health Benefits of Samgyeopsal
It is no secret that eating pork can be bad for your health, but with samgyeopsal you can rest assured that you are consuming the healthiest form of pork. This is because the pork belly cut used for the dish is much leaner than other cuts. The fat in pork belly contains a mixture of healthy Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids which helps to prevent heart disease and other chronic illnesses. In addition, the garlic, soy sauce, and spices used in marinades help to reduce fat and provide antioxidant benefits.
The high levels of Vitamin B contained in pork belly can aid digestion and have a positive effect on skin, hair, and nails. What's more, the proteins in this meat will help to strengthen your muscles and provide essential amino acids for your overall health.
Preparing Samgyeopsal at Home
If you're looking to enjoy authentically cooked samgyeopsal in the comfort of your own home, it's important to get the right spices and ingredients. You will need to buy pork belly, as well as the marinade ingredients mentioned above. To prepare the dish, start by marinating the pork belly in the fragrant spices. To do this, mix the garlic, red chili pepper paste, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and sesame oil together to make a paste and spread it over the meat. Once it is fully coated, put the marinated pork belly in a cool place, such as the fridge, to rest and absorb the flavors overnight.
Once the meat is marinated, it's time to cook it on the BBQ grill, taking care to turn the meat often and cook it until it is golden brown. Once it is cooked, it is ready to serve, and can be enjoyed with a selection of side dishes. If you don't have a BBQ, you can also cook the meat in a pan on the stove. Be sure to occasionally add a tablespoon of water to the pan to create steam and keep the meat moist.
Conclusion
Samgyeopsal is a popular dish in Korea and is the perfect accompaniment to Korean BBQ. Whether you are preparing it at home or sampling it from a restaurant or hawker, you can be sure it will be packed with flavor, aroma, and a hint of smokiness. And, with the added bonus of several health benefits, it's the perfect food for all ages!