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How to Make Samgyeopsal-Gui : Korean Grilled Pork Belly 삼겹살구이 Samgyeopsal-gui

 


Samgyeopsal-Gui : Korean Grilled Pork Belly

삼겹살구이

Samgyeopsal-gui

Samgyeopsal-gui is one of Korea’s most popular grilled meat dishes. It consists of thick or thin slices of fresh pork belly grilled directly at the table and enjoyed with lettuce, perilla leaves, garlic, chili peppers, dipping sauces, and Korean side dishes.

The Korean name is written as 삼겹살구이 and romanized as Samgyeopsal-gui.

In English, it may be introduced as:

  • Grilled Pork Belly
  • Korean Grilled Pork Belly
  • Korean-Style Grilled Pork Belly
  • Samgyeopsal
  • Samgyeopsal-gui

The word samgyeopsal refers to pork belly, while gui means a grilled dish.

Part 1. What Is Samgyeopsal?

Samgyeopsal is pork belly cut into slices and grilled without a heavy marinade. Unlike spicy pork dishes or Korean barbecue meats seasoned in advance, traditional samgyeopsal is often cooked with little or no seasoning.

Its appeal comes from the natural flavor of the pork, the crisp edges created by grilling, and the variety of fresh vegetables, sauces, and side dishes served with it.

Samgyeopsal is especially popular as a social meal because diners usually grill the meat together at the table.

Part 2. Main Ingredients

Pork Belly

500 g / approximately 1.1 lb

Use fresh pork belly sliced into pieces approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.

Both skinless and skin-on pork belly can be used, although skinless pork belly is more common in Korean barbecue restaurants.

Garlic

Slice several cloves of garlic. The garlic may be grilled beside the pork or eaten fresh inside a lettuce wrap.

Green Chili Peppers

Slice Korean green chili peppers or mild green peppers. They add freshness and a gentle heat.

Onion

Slice the onion into rings or strips and grill it with the pork.

Mushrooms

Button, oyster, king oyster, or enoki mushrooms may be grilled alongside the meat.

Kimchi

Aged kimchi becomes especially flavorful when grilled in pork fat.

Part 3. Sesame Oil Dipping Sauce

A traditional dipping sauce for samgyeopsal is called gireumjang.

Combine:

  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • A pinch of black pepper

Dip a piece of grilled pork lightly into the sauce before eating.

The nutty sesame oil enhances the natural flavor of the meat without overpowering it.

Part 4. Ssamjang Dipping Sauce

Ssamjang is a thick Korean dipping sauce commonly served with grilled meat and lettuce wraps.

A simple homemade version may include:

  • 2 tablespoons doenjang, Korean soybean paste
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang, Korean chili paste
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onion

Mix everything together until evenly combined.

Ssamjang is salty, savory, slightly spicy, and slightly sweet.

Part 5. How to Grill Samgyeopsal

Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients

Arrange the pork belly, garlic, onion, mushrooms, chili peppers, kimchi, lettuce, and dipping sauces before heating the grill.

Wash and dry the lettuce and perilla leaves thoroughly.

Step 2. Heat the Grill

Preheat a tabletop grill, cast-iron pan, or heavy frying pan over medium-high heat.

Samgyeopsal contains enough natural fat that additional cooking oil is usually unnecessary.

Step 3. Grill the Pork Belly

Place the pork belly slices on the hot grill in a single layer.

Allow one side to brown before turning the meat.

Avoid moving the pork too frequently because steady contact with the hot surface helps create crisp, caramelized edges.

Step 4. Cut the Meat

When the pork begins to brown, use kitchen scissors and tongs to cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Continue grilling and turning the pieces until they are evenly browned and fully cooked.

Step 5. Grill the Vegetables

Add sliced garlic, onion, mushrooms, and kimchi around the pork.

The vegetables absorb some of the pork flavor as they cook.

Move cooked pieces away from the hottest part of the grill to prevent burning.

Step 6. Serve Immediately

Samgyeopsal tastes best when eaten directly from the grill while it is hot, crisp, and juicy.

Serve it with fresh lettuce, perilla leaves, ssamjang, sesame oil dipping sauce, rice, and Korean side dishes.

Part 6. How to Make a Korean Lettuce Wrap

A Korean lettuce wrap is called ssam.

Place a lettuce or perilla leaf in your hand and add:

  • One piece of grilled pork belly
  • A small spoonful of rice
  • A little ssamjang
  • Grilled garlic
  • Sliced chili pepper
  • Green onion salad
  • Grilled kimchi

Fold the leaf around the filling and enjoy it in one bite.

The fresh vegetables balance the richness of the pork belly and create a flavorful combination of crisp, savory, spicy, and refreshing textures.

Part 7. What to Serve with Samgyeopsal

Samgyeopsal is commonly served with:

  • Steamed rice
  • Lettuce and perilla leaves
  • Ssamjang
  • Sesame oil dipping sauce
  • Grilled garlic
  • Green chili peppers
  • Grilled kimchi
  • Green onion salad
  • Pickled radish
  • Korean soybean paste stew
  • Cold noodles
  • Various Korean side dishes

A warm bowl of doenjang-jjigae, or soybean paste stew, is one of the most traditional accompaniments.

Part 8. Chef’s Tips

Choose Pork Belly with Balanced Layers

Look for pork belly with a good balance of meat and fat. Too much fat can make the dish overly rich, while very lean pork belly may become dry.

Preheat the Grill Properly

A properly heated grill helps brown the pork and prevents it from sticking.

Do Not Overcrowd the Grill

Leave enough space between the pork slices so that they grill rather than steam.

Grill Kimchi in the Pork Fat

Place aged kimchi near the pork after some fat has been released. The kimchi absorbs the savory flavor and develops caramelized edges.

Use Kitchen Scissors

Korean barbecue restaurants commonly provide kitchen scissors so diners can cut the meat into convenient bite-sized pieces while it cooks.

Eat the Pork While It Is Hot

Freshly grilled samgyeopsal has the best contrast between crisp edges and a juicy interior.

Learn how to prepare Samgyeopsal-gui, Korea’s popular grilled pork belly dish, with lettuce wraps, ssamjang, sesame oil dipping sauce, grilled garlic, kimchi, and traditional Korean side dishes.

Illustrated Korean Samgyeopsal-gui recipe showing pork belly, vegetables, dipping sauces, tabletop grilling steps, lettuce wraps, and serving suggestions.

#Samgyeopsal #SamgyeopsalGui #GrilledPorkBelly #KoreanBBQ #KoreanFood #KoreanRecipe #KoreanGrilledPork #PorkBelly #KoreanLettuceWraps #Ssam #Ssamjang #KFood #KoreanHomeCooking #삼겹살 #삼겹살구이

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