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The Social Ritual of Samgyeopsal

Samgyeopsal, which translates to three-layer meat, refers to the beautifully marbled strips of pork belly that serve as the centerpiece of Korean barbecue. While pork consumption has a long history in Korea, the specific culture of grilling thick slices of pork belly became a massive social phenomenon in the 1970s and 80s, eventually cementing itself as the go-to comfort food for workers and friends alike after a long day.

Why You Must Try It

Samgyeopsal is more than just a meal; it is an interactive social ritual. There is an undeniable satisfaction in hearing the fat sizzle on the grill and the smell of the meat crisping up to golden perfection. It is a dish that demands conversation and connection, as you typically wrap the grilled meat with various vegetables, garlic, and sauces in a lettuce leaf, creating a perfect bite that is fresh, savory, and undeniably hearty all at once.

Key Ingredients

The star of the show is high-quality, thick-cut pork belly, which requires absolutely no marinade to be delicious. You will need fresh lettuce or perilla leaves for wrapping, thinly sliced garlic cloves, and spicy green chilies to provide a sharp contrast to the rich pork. The essential condiment is ssamjang, a thick, savory-sweet paste made of soybean paste and gochujang, and you must have some well-fermented kimchi to grill right alongside the meat.

Simple Preparation

Set up a tabletop grill or a heavy skillet and heat it until it is hot enough to sear the meat instantly. Place the strips of pork belly down and let them cook until they achieve a deep, golden-brown crust on both sides. While the meat cooks, toss your kimchi, garlic cloves, and chili slices onto the grill so they can absorb the rendered pork fat. Once the meat is crispy, cut it into bite-sized pieces with kitchen shears, take a leaf of lettuce, add a piece of meat with a dab of ssamjang, and wrap it all up to enjoy in one go.

A Witty Recommendation for the Aspiring Chef

If you are the one responsible for the grill, consider yourself the honorary captain of the dinner table. Be prepared to lose your status as a conversationalist, as you will be too busy flipping meat and managing the kimchi to talk about your day. Also, accept that your clothes will smell like grilled pork for the next twenty-four hours—consider it a badge of honor for hosting the best dinner in town.