Korean-Style Grilled Pork Belly Recipe: Authentic Flavor at Home

Korean-style grilled pork belly is an enticing dish with a rich flavor, often featured in BBQ parties or family gatherings. To prepare this dish at home simply yet maintain its delicious taste as found in restaurants, explore the detailed recipe below.

Korean-style grilled pork belly

1. Ingredients Needed

To make Korean-style grilled pork belly, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Pork belly: 1kg (choose fresh meat with a balanced ratio of lean and fat).
• Green onions: 5 stalks (used for garnish and making green onion kimchi).
• Korean soybean paste: 100g (characteristic of Korean flavor).
• Korean chili paste: 100g (adds a distinctive spicy taste).
• White sesame seeds: 30g (pre-roasted for enhanced aroma).
• Minced garlic, dried chili or Korean chili powder: used for flavoring.
• Fresh vegetables: lettuce, perilla leaves, mint (to be eaten with the meat).
• Seasonings: sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, oyster sauce, cooking oil.
• Equipment: electric grill or charcoal grill, bowl, spoon…

2. Steps to Follow

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Green onions: Trim the roots, remove any wilted outer leaves, and wash thoroughly. Cut 4 stalks into three equal parts and split them lengthwise, then soak in ice water for about 5 minutes to crisp. Thinly slice the remaining stalk for the dipping sauce.
• Fresh vegetables: Pick through, rinse several times, then soak in diluted saltwater for about 5 minutes; drain well.
• Pork belly: Rub with salt, rinse clean, and cut into slices about 2-3cm thick for easy grilling.

Preparing ingredients for Korean-style grilled pork belly

Step 2: Make Green Onion Kimchi

• Mix the seasoning blend of: 4 teaspoons sugar, 4 teaspoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon roasted white sesame seeds, 4 tablespoons soy sauce, and a bit of Korean chili powder.
• Add the soaked green onions and mix well to coat with the seasoning.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Making green onion kimchi for Korean-style grilled pork belly

Step 3: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

• Combine the following ingredients: finely chopped green onions, 10g minced garlic, 100g Korean soybean paste, 100g Korean chili paste, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds, and 4 teaspoons sugar.
• Stir well to blend the ingredients together.

Preparing dipping sauce for Korean-style grilled pork belly

Step 4: Grill the Pork Belly Korean-Style

• Lightly coat the grill surface with cooking oil.
• Place the pork belly slices on the grill and cook until both sides are golden brown.
• Use scissors to cut the meat into bite-sized pieces and enjoy while hot.

Note, Korean grilled pork belly tastes better when cooked on a thick cast iron pan. However, if you don’t have one, you can use an electric grill with a non-stick tray for convenience and hygiene.

Grilling pork belly Korean-style

Step 5: Enjoy the Dish

Koreans often grill pork belly without marinating to savor its natural freshness. The highlight of this dish is to enjoy it directly at the table, with the meat hot and slightly charred. Pair it with fresh lettuce, perilla leaves, kimchi, and dip in spicy ssamjang sauce for a delightful experience.

Enjoying Korean-style grilled pork belly

3. Tips for Making Korean-Style Grilled Pork Belly

To ensure your Korean-style grilled pork belly achieves authentic flavor, keep these tips in mind:

• Choosing meat: Press the meat with your finger; if it feels firm yet springy, it’s good quality. Opt for meat with a balanced lean-to-fat ratio, avoiding any that smells off, is pale, or leaks.
• Marinating (optional): For a more flavorful meat, marinate with a mix of: 100g fresh pear, 100g onion, 15g ginger, 15g minced garlic, 1 tablespoon corn syrup, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 4 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 tablespoons soybean paste, and 3 tablespoons Korean chili paste. Mix well and marinate for about 2 hours or overnight.
• Accompaniments: Korean grilled pork belly should be enjoyed with various side dishes like cabbage kimchi, bean sprouts, pickled radish… and paired with soju to enhance the flavors.

Conclusion

Thus, making Korean-style grilled pork belly at home is simple and easy. With its rich flavor and attractive presentation, this dish is sure to satisfy your family. Try this recipe for a cozy BBQ party on the weekend!

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