How To Grill Pork Belly Like A Pro: The Must-try Korean Bbq Recipe

Master the art of grilling pork belly Korean-style with this comprehensive guide. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a culinary novice, this step-by-step tutorial will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to create mouthwatering, smoky pork belly that will tantalize your taste buds.

Selecting the Perfect Pork Belly

The key to a succulent and flavorful grilled pork belly lies in choosing the right cut. Look for a piece of pork belly that is at least 1 inch thick, with alternating layers of fat and meat. The skin should be intact and free of any blemishes.

Preparing the Pork Belly

1. Scoring the Skin: Use a sharp knife to score the skin in a diamond pattern, about 1/4 inch apart. This will allow the fat to render and create crispy skin.
2. Seasoning: Generously season the pork belly with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices and herbs of your choice, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
3. Marinating: Place the seasoned pork belly in a large bowl or container and cover it with a marinade of your choice. Some popular Korean marinades include soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste), garlic, ginger, and honey. Marinate the pork belly for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.

Grilling the Pork Belly

1. Preparing the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, use indirect heat by placing the coals on one side of the grill and the pork belly on the other side.
2. Grilling the Pork Belly: Place the pork belly on the preheated grill and cook for 10-15 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
3. Crisping the Skin: Once the pork belly is cooked through, increase the heat to high and grill for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Slicing and Serving

1. Resting the Pork Belly: After grilling, let the pork belly rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy pork belly.
2. Slicing the Pork Belly: Slice the pork belly thinly, against the grain.
3. Serving: Serve the grilled pork belly immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, gochujang sauce, or a simple vinegar-based dipping sauce.

Accompaniments and Sides

Grilled pork belly pairs perfectly with a variety of accompaniments and sides, such as:

• Kimchi: A traditional Korean fermented cabbage dish that adds a spicy and tangy flavor.
• Rice: Steamed rice or bibimbap (mixed rice) is a classic accompaniment to grilled pork belly.
• Vegetables: Grilled vegetables such as onions, peppers, and zucchini add a refreshing and healthy element to the meal.
• Dipping Sauces: Soy sauce, gochujang sauce, or a vinegar-based dipping sauce enhance the flavor of the pork belly.

Variations

• Spicy Pork Belly: Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the marinade for a spicy and flavorful pork belly.
• Sweet Pork Belly: Use a marinade made with honey or brown sugar for a sweet and savory pork belly.
• Grilled Pork Belly Tacos: Slice the grilled pork belly thinly and serve it in tacos with your favorite toppings.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook: The pork belly is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Overcooking will result in tough and dry pork belly.
• Crisp the skin: To achieve crispy skin, score the skin and grill over high heat.
• Use indirect heat: When grilling over charcoal, use indirect heat to prevent the pork belly from burning.
• Rest the pork belly: Resting the pork belly before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy pork belly.

Final Note:

Mastering the art of grilling pork belly Korean-style is a culinary journey that will reward you with smoky, tender, and flavorful pork belly. By following these step-by-step instructions and experimenting with different marinades and accompaniments, you can create a dish that will impress your family and friends. So, fire up your grill and embark on this culinary adventure today!

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: How long should I marinate the pork belly?
A: Marinate the pork belly for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.

Q: What is the ideal internal temperature for grilled pork belly?
A: The ideal internal temperature for grilled pork belly is 145°F.

Q: How do I get crispy skin on my grilled pork belly?
A: Score the skin and grill over high heat to achieve crispy skin.

Q: What are some popular Korean marinades for pork belly?
A: Popular Korean marinades for pork belly include soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste), garlic, ginger, and honey.

Q: What are some good accompaniments for grilled pork belly?
A: Good accompaniments for grilled pork belly include kimchi, rice, grilled vegetables, and dipping sauces.