Calling all Filipino grill masters! Craving a taste of Korea? Look no further than Samgyeopsal, the iconic Korean dish featuring succulent grilled pork belly. This recipe is your gateway to a flavorful and interactive dining experience perfect for family and friends.
Contents
What is Samgyeopsal?
Literally translated as “three-layered meat,” Samgyeopsal is thinly sliced pork belly traditionally cooked on a special dome-shaped grill.
Here in the Philippines, a regular grill pan or even a cast iron skillet can do the trick! The beautifully marbled pork is enjoyed wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves with a variety of sides and dipping sauces, creating a symphony of textures and tastes in every bite.
Samgyeopsal Recipe
The ingredients used to make this recipe are quite easy to find, we have written them down for you below.
Ingredients
For the Pork Belly:
- 500 grams pork belly, thinly sliced (around 1/8 inch thickness)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Korean gochujang (red chili paste) – adjust for desired spice level
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
For the Ssam (Wraps):
- Red leaf lettuce leaves, washed and patted dry
- Perilla leaves (optional, but highly recommended)
For the Dipping Sauces:
- Ssamjang:
- 2 tablespoons doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (red chili paste)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (optional)
- Sesame Oil Dip:
- Sesame oil
- Sea salt
Additional Accompaniments (Optional):
- Kimchi
- Pickled radish
- Spicy green chilies
- Minced garlic cloves (for grilling)
Equipment
- Grill pan or cast iron skillet
- Tongs
- Serving plates
- Small bowls for dipping sauces
Cooking Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 10-15 minutes (depending on grill heat)
Steps
- Marinate the Pork Belly: In a large bowl, combine sesame oil, soy sauce, gochujang, garlic, black pepper, and ginger. Add the pork belly slices and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour for deeper flavor.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauces: In a small bowl, combine doenjang, gochujang, garlic, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. If using, add a tablespoon of rice wine vinegar for a slightly tangy ssamjang. In another bowl, simply add sesame oil and sprinkle with sea salt for the classic oil dip.
- Heat the Grill: Preheat your grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated pork belly slices.
- Cook the Pork Belly: Grill the pork belly for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through and beautifully browned. You can cut the slices in half for easier handling on the grill.
- Assemble and Enjoy: As the pork cooks, prepare your lettuce leaves and perilla leaves (if using) on a serving plate. To eat, simply grab a lettuce leaf, add a piece of cooked pork belly, your desired dipping sauce, and any additional accompaniments like kimchi or pickled radish. Wrap it all up and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite!
Video Example: youtube.com/@Maangchi
Tips
- For perfectly crispy pork belly, use a well-heated grill and avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang according to your spice preference.
- Feel free to experiment with other dipping sauces, like a simple soy sauce and vinegar mixture.
- Leftover marinated pork belly can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day and grilled later.
Allergy Symptoms and Substitutes
Allergy Symptoms:
- Pork: People with allergies to meat or pork may experience symptoms like hives, swelling, itching, cramps, nausea, or vomiting. If you suspect a pork allergy, consult a doctor.
- Soy: Those with soy allergies may experience similar symptoms as a pork allergy. If you suspect a soy allergy, consult a doctor.
- Sesame: Sesame allergies can cause reactions ranging from mild (itching, hives) to severe (anaphylaxis). If you suspect a sesame allergy, consult a doctor.
Substitutes:
- Pork Belly: You can substitute thinly sliced beef bulgogi or chicken thighs for a different protein option.
- Doenjang (Korean Soybean Paste): Substitute with a low-sodium soy paste or miso paste, adjusting the amount for taste preference.
- Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste): Substitute with sriracha or another chili paste, but be aware that the flavor profile may differ. Adjust the amount according to spice preference.
- For those with sesame allergies, omit sesame oil and sesame seeds from the recipe. You can substitute other neutral oils for grilling.
Here’s a table summarizing the allergy symptoms and substitutes for some of the ingredients in Samgyeopsal recipe:
| Ingredient | Allergy Symptoms | Substitutes |
|---|---|---|
| Pork | Hives, swelling, itching, cramps, nausea, or vomiting | Thinly sliced beef bulgogi or chicken thighs |
| Soy (Doenjang) | Similar symptoms as pork allergy | Low-sodium soy paste or miso paste |
| Sesame | Itching, hives, severe (anaphylaxis) | Omit sesame oil and sesame seeds; substitute other neutral oils for grilling |
Additional Tips:
- Be sure to consult a healthcare professional or licensed dietician for precise nutritional advice.
- Let your server know about any allergies you or your guests may have before ordering Samgyeopsal at a restaurant.
- When making your own Samgyeopsal at home, be sure to read food labels carefully to avoid any hidden allergens.
Ready to Savor the Flavors of Korea?
With this Samgyeopsal recipe, you can bring the excitement of Korean BBQ right to your Filipino kitchen. Gather your loved ones, fire up the grill, and experience the joy of interactive dining with this delicious and versatile dish. So, grab your chopsticks and get ready to sizzle up some Seoul!