Discover the traditional Korean dish, Samgyeopsal (삼겹살). This recipe features juicy grilled pork belly strips, served with fresh lettuce, garlic, and a variety of dipping sauces. Learn how to prepare and enjoy this popular Korean BBQ dish at home with step-by-step instructions. Perfect for gatherings or a delicious meal with friends.

Ingredients:

- 500g pork belly strips (thickly sliced)

- 2 cloves garlic, sliced

- 1 head of lettuce or perilla leaves

- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced

- 1 onion, thinly sliced

- 1-2 green chilies (optional)

- Salt and pepper to taste

Dipping Sauces:

Ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce):

  - 2 tbsp doenjang (fermented soybean paste)

  - 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)

  - 1 tsp sesame oil

  - 1 tsp honey

  - 1 clove garlic, minced

  - 1 green onion, finely chopped

Sesame oil dipping sauce:

  - 2 tbsp sesame oil

  - 1 pinch salt

  - 1 pinch black pepper

Instructions:

Prepare the Vegetables:

  Wash and separate the lettuce leaves. Slice the cucumber, onion, garlic, and green chilies if using, and set them aside.

Prepare the Ssamjang Sauce:

  In a small bowl, mix together the doenjang, gochujang, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and chopped green onions. Stir until well combined.

Prepare the Sesame Oil Dipping Sauce:

  In a separate small dish, mix sesame oil with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Grill the Pork Belly:

  Heat a grill or pan over medium-high heat. Grill the pork belly strips until they are crispy and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Serve:

  To eat, take a piece of grilled pork, place it in a lettuce leaf, add a slice of garlic, cucumber, onion, and a dab of ssamjang or sesame oil sauce. Wrap and enjoy!

Note:

Samgyeopsal is traditionally served with banchan (Korean side dishes) like kimchi, pickled radish, and steamed rice.

Nutritional values

Pork Belly Strips (500g)

  - Approximately:

   - 1,500 calories

   - 150g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 105g fat

Benefits:

   - High in protein and fats; provides essential amino acids.

Garlic (2 cloves, sliced)

  - Approximately:

   - 8 calories

   - 0.4g protein

   - 2g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Provides antioxidants and supports immune health.

Lettuce or Perilla Leaves (1 head)

  - Approximately:

   - 10 calories

   - 1g protein

   - 2g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Low in calories; provides vitamins A and K, and adds fiber.

Cucumber (1, thinly sliced)

  - Approximately:

   - 16 calories

   - 0.7g protein

   - 4g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Hydrating and low in calories; provides vitamins and minerals.

Onion (1, thinly sliced)

  - Approximately:

   - 45 calories

   - 1g protein

   - 11g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Provides antioxidants and vitamins; adds flavor.

Green Chilies (1-2, optional)

  - Approximately:

   - 18 calories (for 2 chilies)

   - 0.6g protein

   - 4g carbohydrates

   - 0.2g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds spiciness; contains vitamins A and C.

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Salt (1 teaspoon)

   - Approximately:

    - 0 calories

    - 0g protein

    - 0g carbohydrates

    - 0g fat

Benefits:

    - Enhances flavor; essential for maintaining fluid balance.

Pepper (1 teaspoon)

   - Approximately:

    - 6 calories

    - 0.2g protein

    - 1.5g carbohydrates

    - 0g fat

Benefits:

    - Adds flavor; provides antioxidants.

Dipping Sauces Nutritional Values and Benefits

Ssamjang (Korean Dipping Sauce)

Doenjang (2 tbsp)

   - Approximately:

    - 60 calories

    - 4g protein

    - 6g carbohydrates

    - 2g fat

Benefits:

    - Rich in protein and probiotics; adds umami flavor.

Gochujang (1 tbsp)

   - Approximately:

    - 30 calories

    - 1g protein

    - 6g carbohydrates

    - 0.5g fat

Benefits:

    - Adds spiciness and flavor.

Sesame Oil (1 tsp)

   - Approximately:

    - 40 calories

    - 0g protein

    - 0g carbohydrates

    - 4.5g fat

Benefits:

    - Provides healthy fats; adds a nutty flavor.

Honey (1 tsp)

   - Approximately:

    - 21 calories

    - 0.1g protein

    - 5.7g carbohydrates

    - 0g fat

Benefits:

    - Adds sweetness and potential antioxidant benefits.

Garlic (1 clove, minced)

   - Approximately:

    - 4 calories

    - 0.2g protein

    - 1g carbohydrates

    - 0g fat

Benefits:

    - Enhances flavor and provides health benefits.

Green Onion (1, finely chopped)

   - Approximately:

    - 6 calories

    - 0.3g protein

    - 1.5g carbohydrates

    - 0g fat

Benefits:

    - Adds flavor and vitamins.

Sesame Oil (2 tbsp)

   - Approximately:

    - 80 calories

    - 0g protein

    - 0g carbohydrates

    - 9g fat

Benefits:

    - Adds flavor and provides healthy fats.

Salt and Pepper (pinches)

   - Same as above.