What cut of pork is best for samgyeopsal?

Pork belly is the traditional choice for samgyeopsal, as it provides the right balance of meat and fat for grilling.

Do I need kimchi water for the marinade?

Kimchi water adds depth of flavor but is optional. You can substitute with a splash of rice vinegar or omit it altogether.

How do I serve samgyeopsal?

Serve with fresh lettuce leaves, ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce), sliced garlic, and chili for the classic Korean BBQ experience.

Can I cook this without a grill?

Yes! A cast-iron skillet or grill pan works perfectly to achieve the caramelized edges and smoky flavor.

10 August 2025

Irresistible Korean BBQ Samgyeopsal at Home

Name: Irresistible Korean BBQ Samgyeopsal at Home
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 59 gram Soy Sauce (Good quality); 1 teaspoon Ginger (Grated); 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce; 15 gram Brown Sugar; 1 tablespoon Garlic (Minced); 0.5 gram Black Pepper (A pinch); 45 gram Kimchi Water (Optional); 1000 gram Pork Belly

Chef RV Manabat adapted by JojoM

Make authentic Korean BBQ Samgyeopsal with this easy recipe! Juicy pork belly in a savory marinade, perfect for grilling and wrapping in lettuce.

The Allure of Korean Barbeque Samgyeopsal

Samgyeopsal, a staple in Korean cuisine, translates to "three-layered meat." This dish is a favorite among many, not just for its mouth-watering taste but also for the communal experience it offers. Imagine sitting around a grill, cooking and sharing stories with friends and family. That's the essence of Samgyeopsal. But what makes Chef RV's version stand out? Let's delve into the ingredients and find out.

Ingredients

Soy Sauce: 59 grams (1/4 cup)
Ginger (Grated): 1 teaspoon
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon
Brown Sugar: 15 grams (1 tablespoon)
Minced Garlic: 1 tablespoon
Black Pepper: A pinch
Kimchi Water (Optional): 3 tablespoons
Pork Belly: 1000 grams (1 kilo)

Note: For an enhanced flavor, marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes or, better yet, overnight.

Cooking the Samgyeopsal to Perfection

Begin by ensuring your cast-iron skillet is clean and ready. This skillet is a game-changer as it distributes heat evenly, ensuring the meat cooks perfectly without burning.
Place parchment paper on the skillet. This little trick makes cleaning up afterward a breeze.
Grill the marinated pork belly until it's perfectly cooked, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Complementary Dishes to Elevate Your Meal

Pairing your Samgyeopsal with the right side dishes can elevate the entire dining experience. Here are some recommendations:

Kimchi Fried Rice: A spicy and tangy rice dish that complements the savory flavors of the BBQ.
Korean Beef Stew: A rich and hearty stew that adds depth to the meal.
Other Asian Dishes: Feel free to experiment with other Asian favorites that resonate with your taste buds.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you're having trouble finding some ingredients, here are some alternatives:

Kimchi Water: You can use a mixture of water and a bit of vinegar as a substitute.
Good Quality Soy Sauce: If unavailable, opt for tamari or liquid aminos.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Outcome

Ensure the pork belly is at room temperature before grilling. This ensures even cooking.
If you're short on time, a minimum of 15 minutes of marination can still give decent results.
Always preheat your skillet before placing the meat to achieve that perfect sear.

Nutritional Information

Per 100 grams serving, this dish contains approximately:

Calories: 242
Carbohydrate Content: 1.2 grams
Cholesterol Content: 81 mg
Fat Content: 17 grams
Protein Content: 19 grams
Saturated Fat Content: 6 grams
Sodium Content: 900 mg
Sugar Content: 0.8 grams
Trans Fat Content: 0 grams
Unsaturated Fat Content: 8 grams

FAQ

Why is Samgyeopsal so popular in Korea?

Samgyeopsal is not just a dish; it's an experience. The communal aspect of grilling and sharing food brings people together, making it a beloved tradition.

Can I use other cuts of pork for this recipe?

While pork belly is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cuts. However, the cooking time might vary.

How can I make my Samgyeopsal spicier?

Add some gochujang (Korean red chili paste) to the marinade for an extra kick!

Irresistible Korean BBQ Samgyeopsal at Home

Chef RV Manabat adapted by JojoM

Make authentic Korean BBQ Samgyeopsal with this easy recipe! Juicy pork belly in a savory marinade, perfect for grilling and wrapping in lettuce.

Irresistible Korean BBQ Samgyeopsal at Home image

Prep Time

30 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

45 mins

Servings

Tools Used

Cast-iron SkilletParchment Paper Mixing Bowl

We use affiliate links, which may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Ingredients

Scale

USMetric

Scale

Marinade

Meat

1000 gram Pork Belly

Instructions

Grilling the Pork Belly

1
Bring pork belly to room temperature before grilling.
2
Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
3
Line the skillet with parchment paper.
4
Grill the marinated pork belly until fully cooked and caramelized.

Comments & Reviews

Luis V.
6/22/2025
Absolutely delicious! I recommend marinating overnight for an even deeper flavor.
Hannah G.
2/20/2025
We hosted a Korean-themed dinner and this recipe stole the show. Everyone kept going back for more wraps!
Dave R.
12/18/2024
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. I sliced the pork thinner and it cooked fast and caramelized beautifully.
Ella T.
9/16/2024
Tried it on my grill pan and it turned out delicious! My kids loved it even without the spicy kick.
Carlo M.
2/15/2024
Super easy to follow. I didn’t have kimchi water but it still tasted amazing. Served it with lettuce wraps and ssamjang.
Jinwoo P.
11/14/2023
I grew up eating samgyeopsal and this recipe reminded me of home. Loved the use of kimchi water in the marinade!
Maria L.
9/12/2023
Made this for our weekend BBQ night and it was a hit! The marinade was perfectly balanced. Thanks for sharing!

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 100 grams

Calories 242

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 17g22%

Saturated Fat 7g35%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 81mg27%

Sodium 900mg39%

Total Carbohydrates 1.2g0%

Dietary Fiber 0g0%

Sugars 0.8g

Protein 19g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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The Allure of Korean Barbeque Samgyeopsal

Ingredients

Soy Sauce: 59 grams (1/4 cup)
Ginger (Grated): 1 teaspoon
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon
Brown Sugar: 15 grams (1 tablespoon)
Minced Garlic: 1 tablespoon
Black Pepper: A pinch
Kimchi Water (Optional): 3 tablespoons
Pork Belly: 1000 grams (1 kilo)

Note: For an enhanced flavor, marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes or, better yet, overnight.

Cooking the Samgyeopsal to Perfection

Begin by ensuring your cast-iron skillet is clean and ready. This skillet is a game-changer as it distributes heat evenly, ensuring the meat cooks perfectly without burning.
Place parchment paper on the skillet. This little trick makes cleaning up afterward a breeze.
Grill the marinated pork belly until it's perfectly cooked, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Complementary Dishes to Elevate Your Meal

Pairing your Samgyeopsal with the right side dishes can elevate the entire dining experience. Here are some recommendations:

Kimchi Fried Rice: A spicy and tangy rice dish that complements the savory flavors of the BBQ.
Korean Beef Stew: A rich and hearty stew that adds depth to the meal.
Other Asian Dishes: Feel free to experiment with other Asian favorites that resonate with your taste buds.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you're having trouble finding some ingredients, here are some alternatives:

Kimchi Water: You can use a mixture of water and a bit of vinegar as a substitute.
Good Quality Soy Sauce: If unavailable, opt for tamari or liquid aminos.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Outcome

Ensure the pork belly is at room temperature before grilling. This ensures even cooking.
If you're short on time, a minimum of 15 minutes of marination can still give decent results.
Always preheat your skillet before placing the meat to achieve that perfect sear.

Nutritional Information

Per 100 grams serving, this dish contains approximately:

Calories: 242
Carbohydrate Content: 1.2 grams
Cholesterol Content: 81 mg
Fat Content: 17 grams
Protein Content: 19 grams
Saturated Fat Content: 6 grams
Sodium Content: 900 mg
Sugar Content: 0.8 grams
Trans Fat Content: 0 grams
Unsaturated Fat Content: 8 grams

FAQ

Why is Samgyeopsal so popular in Korea?

Samgyeopsal is not just a dish; it's an experience. The communal aspect of grilling and sharing food brings people together, making it a beloved tradition.