Samgyeopsal (also known as samgyupsal) is a delicious grilled pork belly dish that has been quintessential to Korean cuisine since the 1960s. In fact, the dish is so prevalent in South Korea that it's said to be eaten about once every four days by the country's residents. Can't deny that being a goal of my own someday, as Korean BBQ is one of my absolute favorite dine-out experiences. If you haven't already, get thee to a KBBQ spot ASAP.

Thanks to the blessed curse that is low-range, android-powered tablets skinned with a typically difficult to navigate operating system overlay, all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ spots have an ultimately easier, more efficient way of keeping up with the assumedly endless line of fresh order tickets to the restaurants grill-equipped tables.

The brisket, sirloin, marinated shrimp, octopus and chicken are all must-trys in the protein lineup, as well as the sweet potato, mushroom and pineapple on the plant-based side. This is all cooked yourself of course on the tabletop grill. But the king of KBBQ is the pork belly. This recipe pairs the royal highness with grilled jalapeños and garlic—seared until golden brown and softened both in terms of texture and flavor. Co-starring in this meal are a bed of delicate, julienned scallion and the breakout sensation that is gireumjang—which translates to "oil sauce" or "oil condiment". This Korean sesame oil dipping sauce, made with a generous amount of salt and pepper, is a commonality in Korean barbecue—especially with pork belly. It will quite literally change your life.

It's giving 맛있는!

(Delicious)

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork belly

• 1 jalapeno, sliced into rounds with 1/3 of seeds removed

• 10-12 whole garlic cloves

• 3-4 stalks of green onion, julienned

• Himalayan salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1/4 tsp sesame seed oil

1. Preheat a large, nonstick pan or griddle to medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil or nonstick cooking spray.

2. Add pork belly to pan, ensuring to lay the pork pointing away from yourself as to avoid any grease splatter. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the outer layer is golden brown and crispy.

3. During the last 2-3 minutes of cook time for the pork belly, add the whole garlic cloves and sliced jalapeno to the pan. Toss occasionally to coat in pan juices and avoid scorching. Remove from pan and set aside.

4. Remove cooked pork belly from pan and place on a cutting board. Using a pair of kitchen scissors, cut pork belly into bite sized pieces.

5. To make the dipping sauce, add the sesame oil to a small ramekin along with 1-2 tbsp of olive oil and a rather generous amount of Himalayan salt and freshly ground black pepper. The consistency should be a near paste of salt and pepper.

6. Combine cooked ingredients in a large dinner bowl or atop a platter and serve party-style.
   

Directions

BON APPÉTIT

Recommended Listening

If you're looking to elevate your homemade samgyeopsal experience, this Spotify playlist inspired by IVE's hit song "After Like" is the perfect companion. Combining the upbeat, catchy energy of K-pop with smooth, feel-good tracks from the likes of BLACKPINK, Jessi, NewJeans and more, this playlist sets the mood for a fun and vibrant meal. Just like the sizzling pork belly, the music offers a dynamic mix of flavors—sweet, spicy, and full of rhythm—making it an ideal backdrop for your next Korean BBQ night.