Spicy Korean Grilled Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal)
Experience the classic Korean BBQ favorite at home with savory, marinated pork belly slices. Served with crisp lettuce wraps and spicy chili for the perfect bite.
Samgyeopsal is a cornerstone of Korean social dining, celebrated for its rich flavor and the interactive experience of grilling at the table. This version uses a vibrant gochujang-based marinade to add a savory and spicy depth to the succulent pork belly. Wrapped in fresh lettuce with a touch of chili, it captures the essence of a traditional Korean barbecue feast in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 500 g pork belly slices
- 2 tbsp Korean chili paste (gochujang)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 head leaf lettuce
- 2 green chili peppers, sliced
Instructions
- 1Marinate the pork belly
Place the pork belly slices into a bowl. Add a spoonful of Korean gochujang, minced garlic, sesame seeds, and a generous drizzle of sesame oil over the meat to prepare for marinating.
Tip: Use high-quality sesame oil for a more aromatic and authentic Korean flavor. - 2Mix the marinade
Using a pair of chopsticks, thoroughly mix the pork belly with the gochujang, garlic, seeds, and oil until every slice is evenly coated with the marinade.
Tip: Take your time mixing to ensure the spicy paste is well-distributed across all pieces of meat. - 3Preheat the grill
Adjust the dial on your electric grill to the desired heat setting to ensure the surface is properly heated before adding the meat.
Tip: Allow the grill to reach full temperature before adding the pork to get a perfect sear. - 4Sear the pork belly
Carefully place the marinated pork belly slices onto the hot grill surface. Let them sear until the edges begin to brown and caramelize.
Tip: Do not overcrowd the grill so each slice can sear properly rather than steaming. - 5Flip and cook
Use chopsticks to flip the pork belly slices on the grill. Cook until both sides are evenly browned and the fat has rendered slightly.
Tip: Flipping frequently ensures the marinade doesnt burn too quickly while the pork cooks through. - 6Assemble the lettuce wrap
Take a fresh lettuce leaf, place a piece of perfectly grilled pork belly and a slice of chili in the center, and wrap it up for a delicious bite.
Tip: You can add a small dab of extra gochujang inside the wrap for an extra kick of spice.
