March 3, 2025, marks 'Samgyeopsal Day,' a celebration dedicated to one of Korea's most beloved grilled meat dishes, and this year, it has been set apart by the spotlight on singer Kim Jae-joong's innovative recipe for 'Seaweed Samgyeopsal'. Featured on KBS2’s show '편스토랑', the recipe has quickly gained popularity for transforming the traditional way of enjoying this dish.
Known for its delectable versatility, Samgyeopsal is traditionally grilled pork belly typically served with various dipping sauces. This year’s highlight, the 'Seaweed Samgyeopsal', incorporates another layer of flavor by using seaweed, aiming to amplify the savory taste of this iconic dish. Kim Jae-joong's adaptation suggests dipping the grilled pork belly not just in the standard sauces but particularly encouraging the use of soy sauce mixed with seaweed for enhanced flavor.
The new recipe’s popularity is evident on social media, where fans of Kim and food enthusiasts have taken to platforms proclaiming, "Using seaweed with samgyeopsal has changed the whole experience; it's now more delicious than ever!" according to Kim Jae-joong on KBS2. The reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, pushing this flavor combination to the forefront of culinary conversations.
Traditionally, those indulging on 'Samgyeopsal Day' would grill the thick and juicy pork belly and pair it with simple seasonings like salt or classic dipping sauces. Kim’s innovation, inspired by the culinary practices of Cheongju, where fresh Samgyeopsal is often paired with soy sauce, gives home cooks the opportunity to recreate this popular combination easily.
This recipe sees ingredients transformed, including 600g of Samgyeopsal, 3 tablespoons of Jin soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cooking wine, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1.5 tablespoons of plum extract, 1.5 tablespoons of minced garlic, and some fresh ginger among others. The seaweed, used to embellish the grilling experience, provides additional umami, positively impacting the texture and depth of flavor.
Making the 'Seaweed Samgyeopsal' is straightforward and ideal for home chefs wishing to explore new culinary horizons. To prepare, first create the marinade by mixing the Jin soy sauce, cooking wine, sugar, plum extract, minced garlic, ginger, seaweed, and Dashida with water until it's well blended. Then, chop the Samgyeopsal and thoroughly coat it with the prepared sauce. The last step is grilling the marinated pork until it's golden, creating the perfect presentation on the plate.
Encouraging those to try this innovative dish, Kim Jae-joong’s recipe stands as the perfect way to celebrate the day and enjoy grilling with loved ones. It’s not just about the flavors but also about sharing food traditions, enhancing connections through culinary delights.
Not only is Samgyeopsal universally loved for its smoky flavor and satisfying crunch, but this new recipe takes it to another level. It invokes nostalgic feelings of shared meals, community, and celebration, making it even more meaningful on 'Samgyeopsal Day'. Why not gather friends and family for grilling this comfort food, and make memories around the grill? After all, there's nothing like celebrating through shared flavors and good company.
This year, as Kim Jae-joong puts it, people will be experiencing new depths of flavor and excitement with each bite, just from the simple addition of seaweed to their Samgyeopsal. Are you ready to experience Samgyeopsal like never before?