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| Korea's Pork Belly Day |
What is Samgyeopsal (삼겹살)🥓?
Samgyeopsal (삼겹살) is Korean pork belly, a beloved dish featuring thick slices of pork with alternating layers of lean meat and fat, giving it a juicy and flavorful texture when grilled.
The name 삼겹살 (samgyeopsal) translates to "three-layered meat", referring to the three distinct layers of fat and lean meat.
It’s one of the most popular cuts of pork in South Korea, commonly enjoyed at Korean BBQ restaurants, family gatherings, and celebrations.
How Popular is Samgyeopsal in Korea? 📈
According to the 2024 report by the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Food, South Korea's per capita pork consumption has significantly increased:
- 2013: 20.9 kg per person
- 2023: 29.6 kg per person
This proves just how much Koreans love pork, especially samgyeopsal!
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| Mar 03: Samgyeopsal day (삼겹살 데이) |
Samgyeopsal Day (삼겹살 데이) – March 3rd Celebration 🥓🎉
Did you know that March 3rd (3/3) is officially Samgyeopsal Day in Korea? 🗓️
Why March 3rd?
The name 삼겹살 (samgyeopsal) contains the number 3 (삼, sam), and March 3rd (3/3) is the perfect date to celebrate Korea’s love for pork belly!
Origin:
- Established in 2003 by the Paju-Yeoncheon Pig Farming Association
- Created to boost pork consumption after foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks affected pig farming
- Now widely recognized, with supermarkets, restaurants, and food brands offering special discounts, promotions, and free tastings
On Samgyeopsal Day, Koreans gather at BBQ restaurants or grill pork belly at home, pairing it with soju (소주) and banchan (side dishes) for the ultimate Korean BBQ experience!
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| How to choose best samgyeopsal? |
How to Choose the Best Samgyeopsal 🥩🔍
The perfect Korean pork belly should have:
✅ Balanced fat-to-meat ratio – White fat marbling evenly spread through the meat
✅ Thick slices (0.5 – 1 cm) – Ensures juiciness when grilled
✅ Fresh or Aged Samgyeopsal (숙성 삼겹살) – Aged pork belly enhances tenderness and deepens the flavor
If you're looking for a more premium taste, try 숙성 삼겹살 (sookseong samgyeopsal) – aged pork belly stored at optimal temperatures to enhance tenderness and taste!
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| Eat samgyeopsal like a Korean |
How to Eat Samgyeopsal Like a Korean🔥
A true Korean BBQ experience isn’t just about grilling meat—it’s an art of flavors and textures! Here’s the ultimate combination for enjoying samgyeopsal the right way:
🥬 Lettuce (상추) & Perilla Leaves (깻잎) – Wrap grilled pork in fresh greens for balance
🧄 Grilled Garlic & Green Chili – Adds a spicy, bold kick
🟠 Grilled Kimchi (구운 김치) – Enhances the smoky BBQ flavor
🟡 Fermented Shrimp Sauce (새우젓) – The secret dipping sauce for deeper umami taste
🟤 Doenjang (된장) & Ssamjang (쌈장) – Essential Korean sauces for an authentic bite
🔥 Korean BBQ Rules:
1️⃣ Don’t flip the meat too often – Let it sear until crispy before turning
2️⃣ Pair with soju (소주) for the best experience – The light bitterness of soju cuts through the fat, creating a perfect balance of flavors
3️⃣ Take big bites! – Wrap your pork belly in lettuce with all the toppings and enjoy in one big, satisfying bite!
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| Korean samgyeopsal BBQ |
Samgyeopsal – More Than Just a Meal, It’s a Cultural Experience!
No matter the season, occasion, or mood, samgyeopsal brings people together. Walk past any Korean BBQ restaurant in the evening, and you’ll instantly recognize:
🔥 The irresistible sizzle of pork on the grill
🔥 The smoky aroma filling the air
🔥 The laughter of friends sharing a meal
💡 Want to experience the true “Korean soul” (한국인의 소울푸드)? Just grab some grilled samgyeopsal, wrap it in perilla leaves, dip it in ssamjang, and take a big, juicy bite! 😋🔥
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