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When Filipinos think of Korean cuisine, they think of samgyupsal. This general term for grilled pork belly has become synonymous with Korean barbecue already. And it’s not uncommon to hear Pinoys asking their friends out to “eat samgyup” with them, often going to restaurants that offer eat-all-you-can specials at super sulit prices.
For most, Korean barbecue is an exciting, communal experience reserved for weekends or special occasions. Especially since it’s the kind of meal you want to prepare your stomach for, like a big, fancy buffet. But there’s no reason you can’t enjoy Korean samgyupsal at home — it might even be ideal, especially when rainy days make going out such a hassle. It’s easier than you think: with the basic samgyupsal ingredients, you can already start grilling. Enjoy alone over soju and your favorite K-drama, or invite friends and family over to make a night of it! Either way, your home-cooked KBBQ will taste extra special.
Ingredients for Homestyle Samgyupsal
- 5 tbsp Knorr Liquid Seasoning
- ground black pepper
- 500 g pork belly, cut into bite-sized pieces
How to Make a Korean Samgyupsal Recipe at Home
Step 1
Combine Knorr Liquid Seasoning and ground pepper in a sealable bag or large cooking bowl. Place pork belly inside to marinate for at least 20 minutes.
Step 2
Remove pork belly from the marinade and place on a grill. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Brush on additional marinade while grilling to increase juiciness and flavor.
Step 3
Serve with various Korean side dishes like kimchi, thinly sliced garlic, lettuce, and rice.
Now that you have your samgyupsal ready to go, all that’s left is to figure out what to pair with it. Korean barbecue restaurants always serve their grilled meats with a medley of different side dishes called “banchan.” This includes steamed rice, soup, kimchi, and various sauces, like soy sauce, sesame oil, and gochujang (red chili paste). Other popular banchan include pajeon (fried scallion pancakes), pickled or braised veggies, and odeng bokkeum (stir-fried fish cakes).
For the perfect mouthful, dip your bite-sized meat in sesame oil and tuck it into a piece of fresh lettuce. Add sliced garlic, kimchi, rice, and other banchan of your choice before folding the lettuce into a ssam (wrap). For maximum enjoyment, consume in a single bite. If you’d like to vary the flavors of your grilled pork belly, you can experiment with different sauces in your marinade: add gochugaru (chili powder) for a kick of spice, garlic for zing, and honey to make it a bit sweeter.
Got a knack for home-cooked Korean food? Try out these easy recipes for your next rainy day in: Korean fried chicken, kimchi fried rice, or beef bulgogi.