Authentic Korean BBQ Pork Belly at Home (Samgyeopsal & Ssamjang)

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Introduction

Samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) is one of the most celebrated culinary experiences in Korea. Thinly or thickly sliced pork belly is grilled to crispy perfection and wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves with garlic, grilled kimchi, and a savory dipping sauce called Ssamjang. Here is how you can easily enjoy an authentic Korean BBQ feast right in your own home.

Ingredients

  • Main Ingredients:
    • 500g Pork belly slices
    • 1 head Lettuce (red leaf or romaine)
    • 10 Perilla leaves (kkaennip), washed
    • 1/2 Garlic, thinly sliced
    • 1/2 Onion, sliced
    • 1 cup Well-aged Kimchi (for grilling)
  • Ssamjang Dipping Sauce:
    • 2 tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
    • 1 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
    • 1 tsp Minced garlic
    • 1 tsp Honey (or sugar)
    • 1 tsp Sesame oil
    • 1 tsp Toasted sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Make Ssamjang Sauce:In a small bowl, combine Doenjang, Gochujang, minced garlic, honey, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Stir thoroughly until smooth.
  2. Prep Greens and Sides:Wash lettuce and perilla leaves thoroughly and pat dry. Slice the garlic and onions, and set them aside on a platter.
  3. Preheat Pan or Grill:Heat a non-stick skillet or tabletop grill plate over medium-high heat. No oil is needed as the pork belly will render its own natural fats.
  4. Grill the Meat and Vegetables:Lay pork belly slices in a single layer. Add sliced garlic, onions, and kimchi to the side of the pan so they cook in the flavorful pork fat. Cook the pork belly for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Assemble the Wrap (Ssam):Take a lettuce leaf, place a perilla leaf on top, add a piece of crispy pork belly, a dab of Ssamjang sauce, and a piece of grilled garlic or kimchi. Fold into a neat bite-sized package and enjoy in one full bite!

Chef’s Pro Tips

  • The One-Bite Rule: In Korea, Ssam (wraps) are meant to be eaten in a single bite so all the contrasting textures and juices harmonize in your mouth at once.
  • Grill Kimchi in Pork Fat: Grilling sour kimchi in rendered pork fat transforms its flavor, making it rich, savory, and less acidic.
  • Perilla Leaf Magic: Adding fresh perilla leaves provides a herbal, aromatic note that cuts through the richness of the pork belly.

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