Korean BBQ Pork Slices

Korean BBQ Pork Slices: A Flavorful Feast

Korean BBQ Pork Slices is a dish that takes me back to warm summer nights spent with family and friends. I remember the excitement in the air as we gathered around the grill, eager to enjoy the marinated pork belly sizzling away. Korean BBQ Pork Slices is not just about the food; it’s about the memories we create together. As the aroma of garlic and sesame wafts through the air, I can see everyone’s eyes lighting up, ready to dive into this delicious feast.

Preparation and Marinade Magic

To make Korean BBQ Pork Slices, I start by preparing the pork belly, slicing it into bite-sized pieces that will soak up all the flavors. I mix up a simple marinade with soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and gochugaru, which adds a spicy kick. Once the pork is coated and marinated, I let it sit for a while to absorb all those tasty ingredients. Meanwhile, I prepare a refreshing green onion salad to serve alongside it. The fresh, crisp veggies are a perfect contrast to the rich pork, and I can already imagine the vibrant colors on the plate.

The Joy of Grilling

When it’s time to grill, the excitement reaches a peak. I heat the grill until it’s just right and lay the marinated pork slices down, listening to the satisfying sizzle as they hit the hot surface. I flip the slices after a few minutes, watching for that beautiful char to form. With each turn, I can’t help but think about how Korean BBQ Pork Slices is a dish meant for sharing. Once the pork is perfectly grilled, I assemble a colorful platter with the grilled pork, the green onion salad, and an array of fresh vegetables, including crunchy cucumbers and colorful carrots.

Gathering Around the Table

Finally, it’s time to eat! I place everything on the table, and we all grab our lettuce leaves, ready to make our own wraps. Each bite is a burst of flavor—the juicy pork, the spicy dipping sauce, and the fresh crunch of the vegetables. Korean BBQ Pork Slices always brings laughter and joy, reminding me that food is not just about sustenance; it’s about connection. As we enjoy our meal together, I know that these moments spent over a delicious spread are the ones I’ll cherish the most.

Chef’s Notes- Korean BBQ Pork Slices

• Preheat your grill or pan for at least 10 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and achieve a perfect sear. This prevents sticking and enhances flavor.
• If using a nonstick pan, consider lightly oiling it to maintain the texture of the pork.
• Choose high-quality, fresh pork belly for the best flavor and texture. If possible, buy it from a butcher for the freshest cut.
• For deeper flavor, marinate the pork belly in the soy sauce and sesame oil mixture for a few hours before grilling. This can enhance the savory notes.
• Pair the dish with steamed rice, kimchi, or a simple cucumber salad to create a balanced meal.
• For an authentic experience, provide an array of dipping sauces like extra ssamjang, gochujang, or even a spicy mustard.
• If grilling king oyster mushrooms, slice them thickly and marinate them in a similar mixture as the pork to infuse flavors before grilling.
• Arrange the grilled pork, fresh vegetables, and dipping sauces beautifully on a large platter. This encourages guests to build their own wraps, making the meal interactive and fun.

Korean BBQ Pork Slices

Recipe by Kimmy

Course: Main Course, Side DishCuisine: Korean, Soul FoodDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

600

kcal

Total time

50

minutes

Dive into the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine with our Authentic Korean BBQ Pork Slices! Perfect for gatherings, this dish brings friends and family together around the grill for a memorable meal. Marinated to perfection and served with fresh vegetables and savory dipping sauces, it’s a sure-fire hit for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a home cook looking to explore new tastes, this recipe promises simplicity without compromising on taste. Get ready to impress your guests and savor the irresistible taste of samgyeopsal-gui right in your own kitchen!

Ingredients

• Proteins

• 3 pounds fresh or pre-sliced frozen pork belly diced into bite-sized portions

• Salad Components

• 5 cups thinly sliced green onions (14-16 stalks)

• 1 large head crisp lettuce thoroughly washed and drained

• Salad Dressing

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

• 2 tablespoons Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru)

• Ssamjang Dipping Sauce

• 1/4 cup fermented soybean paste (doenjang)

• 1 finely chopped green onion

• 1 minced garlic clove

• 2 tablespoons Korean red chili paste (gochujang)

• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

• Vegetables & Extras

• 2 carrots sliced into bite-sized sticks

• 1 English cucumber cut into stick-sized pieces

• 7-8 green chili peppers finely chopped

• 12 slices raw garlic

• 1 large onion cut into quarter-sized wedges

• 2 dozen perilla leaves optional, washed and drained

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Pork Belly: Substitute with king oyster mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

• Soy Sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free alternative.

• Gochugaru: Replace with red chili flakes if unavailable.

• Doenjang: Miso paste can be used in a pinch though flavor may vary.

• Lettuce: Substitute with cabbage leaves for added crunch.

• Perilla Leaves: Spinach leaves can be used if perilla is unavailable.

• Gochujang: Sriracha mixed with a bit of honey can mimic the spicy-sweet flavor.

• Sugar: Honey or maple syrup can replace granulated sugar for a natural sweetener.

• Carrots: Bell peppers can be used instead for different color and sweetness.

• Green Chili Peppers: Jalapeños or serrano peppers are good substitutes.

Directions

• Prepare the Pork: Begin by slicing the pork belly into manageable, bite-sized pieces. Spread them evenly on a spacious plate and refrigerate to keep them chilled and ready for grilling. This helps in maintaining the meat’s freshness and texture. (Prep Time: 5 minutes) Immerse the thinly sliced green onions in cold water for five minutes to soften. After soaking, thoroughly rinse and drain them. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, toasted sesame seeds, sesame oil, and gochugaru until well combined. Divide the green onions into individual serving bowls and drizzle the prepared dressing over each portion. Set aside to let the flavors meld. (Prep Time: 10 minutes)
• Mix the Ssamjang Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the doenjang, chopped green onion, minced garlic, gochujang, sugar, toasted sesame seeds, and sesame oil. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are thoroughly integrated, creating a rich and flavorful dipping sauce. Allow it to sit for the flavors to develop. (Prep Time: 5 minutes) Wash and dry the lettuce leaves and perilla leaves if using. Arrange them on a serving platter alongside the sliced carrots, cucumber sticks, chopped green chili peppers, raw garlic slices, and onion wedges. These fresh vegetables provide a crisp and refreshing counterpart to the savory pork. (Prep Time: 5 minutes)
• Grill the Pork: Heat your grill or nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chilled pork belly slices onto the grill. Cook each side for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the meat is nicely charred and cooked through. Ensure even cooking by flipping the slices as needed. (Cook Time: 15 minutes) Once the pork is grilled to perfection, let everyone assemble their own lettuce wraps. Place a portion of pork belly on a lettuce leaf, add some green onion salad, a dab of ssamjang, and your choice of vegetables. Wrap it up and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. (Assembly Time: 5 minutes)
• Optional Enhancements: For added depth, consider grilling slices of garlic and onions alongside the pork. These can be incorporated into the wraps for an extra burst of flavor. Additionally, offering a variety of dipping sauces can cater to different taste preferences. (Optional Step)

Equipment

• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons
• large plate
• small bowls
• grill or nonstick pan

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 600kcal
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Potassium: 800mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 10g
• Vitamin A: 300IU
• Vitamin C: 20mg
• Calcium: 100mg
• Iron: 3mg

FAQs- Korean BBQ Pork Slices

Can I use a different cut of pork?

While pork belly is traditional for this dish, you can use pork shoulder or pork loin. Just adjust the cooking time, as these cuts may cook faster.

What if I can’t find gochugaru or doenjang?

You can substitute gochugaru with red chili flakes and doenjang with miso paste, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the green onion salad and ssamjang sauce a day in advance. Just store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

To reduce the heat, use less gochujang in the dipping sauce and opt for mild chili peppers instead of green chili peppers.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pork in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, and serve with fresh veggies and sauces.