How to Perfectly Grill Korean Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal): A Step-by-Step Guide

Korean pork belly BBQ, known as Samgyeopsal-gui (삼겹살구이), is one of the most popular dishes in Korean cuisine. Loved for its rich flavor and crispy texture, this dish is a staple at Korean BBQ restaurants and home gatherings. Grilling pork belly might seem simple, but mastering the technique can elevate the taste and texture to perfection. Here’s a detailed guide to grilling pork belly the right way.

Ingredients for Korean Pork Belly BBQ

To serve 4 people, you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

3 pounds of pork belly (fresh or pre-sliced)

Vegetables for grilling: Garlic cloves, green chili peppers, mushrooms, onions, and zucchini

Lettuce and perilla leaves for wraps (ssam)

Dipping Sauce:

Ssamjang: A mix of doenjang (soybean paste), gochujang (red chili paste), sesame oil, garlic, and sugar

Salt and Sesame Oil Dip: 1/4 tsp salt mixed with 1/2 tbsp sesame oil per person

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork Belly

If using thick cuts of pork belly, score the meat diagonally on both sides with a sharp knife. This helps the fat render better and enhances crispiness during grilling.

For thinner slices, you can skip scoring and grill directly.

2. Set Up Your Grill

Use a Korean BBQ grill pan or a portable gas burner at the table. Alternatively, you can use an outdoor charcoal grill for smoky flavor.

Heat the grill to medium-high heat. Avoid adding oil—the pork belly will release enough fat during cooking.

3. Grill the Pork Belly

Place the pork belly on the hot grill. Let it cook until golden brown and crispy on one side (about 3–5 minutes) before flipping.

As it cooks, snip the meat into bite-sized pieces using kitchen scissors.

Grill vegetables like garlic cloves, mushrooms, onions, and zucchini alongside the pork belly for added flavor.

4. Serve with Wraps and Dipping Sauce

Serve freshly grilled pork belly with lettuce leaves (ssam) or perilla leaves.

Add a dollop of ssamjang and grilled garlic to your wrap for extra flavor.

Dip bite-sized pieces of pork into sesame oil mixed with salt for a simple yet delicious seasoning.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pork Belly BBQ

Use High-Quality Meat: Fresh pork belly is best, but pre-sliced frozen cuts can also work well if thawed properly.

Score Thick Cuts: Scoring helps the fat render evenly and makes the meat tender.

Cook Until Crispy: For maximum flavor, grill until both sides are golden brown and slightly charred.

Pair with Side Dishes: Popular side dishes include kimchi, soybean sprouts (kongnamul), and green onion salad (pajeori).

Avoid Overcrowding: Grill in small batches to ensure even cooking.

Why Samgyeopsal is Special

Samgyeopsal is not just about grilling—it’s an interactive dining experience that brings people together. The combination of smoky grilled meat, crunchy lettuce wraps, spicy dipping sauces, and fresh vegetables creates a balanced meal that’s both indulgent and healthy.

Conclusion

Grilling Korean pork belly at home is easier than you think! With simple ingredients and proper techniques, you can recreate authentic Samgyeopsal-gui that rivals any restaurant experience. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a party with friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress everyone at the table. Pair it with soju or beer for an authentic Korean BBQ experience!