Let’s talk about one of Korea’s most famous and beloved foods—Samgyeopsal (삼겹살)! If you’ve been to a Korean BBQ restaurant, you’ve probably had it. But do you know the history behind it? Let’s dive into it while making your mouth water
🔥 What is Samgyeopsal?
The name 삼겹살 (Samgyeopsal) literally means “three-layered pork belly” in Korean. It refers to the thick, juicy slices of pork belly that are grilled to perfection at the table. The meat has three visible layers—lean meat, fat, and another layer of lean meat—which gives it its signature texture and flavor.
Unlike Western-style bacon, which is thinly sliced and often cured, samgyeopsal is fresh, thick-cut, and grilled without seasoning. The idea is to enjoy the natural taste of the pork first and then dip it in various sauces for extra flavor.
📜 History: How Did Samgyeopsal Become Korea’s Favorite BBQ?
Surprisingly, samgyeopsal was not always a popular dish in Korea.
Post-Korean War (1950s-60s) – Back then, beef was expensive, so pork was a more affordable alternative. However, people preferred leaner cuts, and pork belly was considered low-quality meat that butchers had difficulty selling.
1970s-80s: Industrial Boom – As Korea's economy grew, people had more disposable income. Companies started promoting pork belly as a delicious and affordable option, leading to its rise in popularity.
1990s: The Soju Connection – Koreans love pairing their BBQ with soju (소주, Korea’s famous liquor), and samgyeopsal became the perfect drinking food. The combination of crispy, fatty pork and strong alcohol became a national tradition!
Modern Day – Today, samgyeopsal is a symbol of Korean BBQ culture. It’s enjoyed by friends, family, and coworkers after a long day at work. There are even special days in Korea, like March 3rd (삼겹살데이, "Samgyeopsal Day"), when people eat samgyeopsal to celebrate!
🍽️ How Do You Eat Samgyeopsal?
Here’s how you enjoy samgyeopsal like a pro:
Grill the Meat 🔥 – Koreans prefer thick slices, and they grill it on a hot pan or a charcoal grill. Wait until it gets golden brown and crispy!
Dip in Sauce – Popular dipping sauces include:
- 쌈장 (Ssamjang): A mix of soybean paste and chili paste
- 소금+참기름 (Salt & Sesame Oil): Simple but enhances the pork’s natural flavor
Wrap in Lettuce (쌈, Ssam) 🥬 – The classic way to eat samgyeopsal is to wrap it in fresh lettuce with garlic, green onions, and ssamjang. Some people even add kimchi or rice for extra flavor.
Pair with Soju 🍶 – The ultimate combination! The strong taste of soju cuts through the fatty meat, making each bite refreshing.
Cultural Significance of Samgyeopsal
- A Must-Have for 회식 (Hoesik, Company Dinners) – If you work in Korea, you’ll probably eat samgyeopsal often with colleagues after work. It’s a bonding experience!
- Healing Food – Koreans believe that fatty pork helps detox the body from pollution and fine dust. It’s even recommended after drinking alcohol!
- A Global Trend – Samgyeopsal isn’t just popular in Korea anymore! Korean BBQ restaurants are everywhere, from New York to London to Sydney.
🎭 Fun Fact: The “Samgyeopsal Smell” Problem
If you’ve ever been to a Korean BBQ restaurant, you know the smell of grilled pork sticks to your clothes! That’s why some restaurants offer Febreze sprays or even special jackets for customers. Some offices even ban samgyeopsal lunches because of the lingering smell!
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try Samgyeopsal
Samgyeopsal is more than just food—it’s an experience! It’s about sitting around a sizzling grill with friends, laughing, drinking soju, and enjoying the smoky, crispy pork belly. Whether you're in Korea or at a Korean BBQ restaurant abroad, don’t miss the chance to try it!
Would you like to try it tonight? 😋