Exploring the Flavors of Korean Pork Dishes: Recipes You Must Try

Korean pork dishes are renowned for their rich flavors and diverse cooking techniques. From tender, succulent samgyupsal to aromatic bulgogi, these dishes showcase the exquisite balance between sweet, savory, and umami tastes that characterize Korean cuisine. Let's dive into some popular pork dishes you should try at home.

Samgyupsal (육회)

Samgyupsal is a beloved Korean barbecue dish made with thick slices of fatty, flavorful pork belly. While many enjoy it grilled, the real secret lies in wrapping it in lettuce leaves and enjoying it with various banchan (side dishes). Here's a simple recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 500g samgyupsal (pork belly)
  • 2 tbsp soju
  • Salt to taste

How to prepare:

1. Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces.
2. Marinate with soju and salt for about 30 minutes before grilling.
3. Grill until crispy on the edges, and enjoy wrapped in lettuce with ssamjang (dipping sauce).

Jeyeuk Bokkeum (제육볶음)

Another beloved pork dish is Jeyeuk Bokkeum - a spicy stir-fried pork dish. This recipe features marinated pork strips cooked with an array of vegetables in gochujang sauce, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy flavors.

• Ingredients:
  • 400g pork belly or pork shoulder
  • 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, minced
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

How to prepare:

1. Slice pork belly into bite-sized strips.
2. In a bowl, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Add the pork strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. A heat up some oil in a pan on medium-high, add marinated pork pieces, and stir-fry until cooked through.
4. Add onions and peppers, cooking until slightly tender.

Soegogi Gui (소고기 구이)

This grilled pork dish is marinated in a sweet soy sauce, garlic, and pear mixture. The soegogi gui recipe below highlights the blend of flavors that make Korean meat marinades exceptional.

• Ingredients:
  • 500g pork tenderloin
  • 1 Asian pear, grated
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, chopped

How to prepare:

1. Slice the pork tenderloin into thin strips.
2. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients except for the pork and green onions.
3. Add the pork strips to the mixture and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight if possible.
4. Heat up your grill pan on high heat. Remove the pork from marinade and discard excess liquid.
5. Grill the pork until it gets those beautiful char marks, about 3-5 minutes per side.

Bulgogi (불고기)

No list of Korean pork dishes would be complete without bulgogi. These thinly sliced marinated pork strips are grilled to perfection and are often paired with lettuce wraps and a wide array of side banchan.

• Ingredients:
  • 400g pork shoulder (thinly sliced)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

How to prepare:

1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Mix well.
2. Add the sliced pork into the mixture and marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
3. Heat up your grill pan on high heat, remove the meat from marinade and discard excess liquid.
4. Grill until it gets that beautiful charr lines about 2-4 minutes a side

In conclusion, Korean pork dishes offer a delightful culinary journey through various flavors, textures, and cooking techniques. Whether it’s the succulent samgyupsal, the spicy jeyeuk bokkeum, or the delicate bulgogi, there's always something to suit every taste bud.

Try these recipes at home and explore the rich world of Korean pork dishes!