Recipe: Korean BBQ Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps

Introduction

Korean BBQ pork belly lettuce wraps are a delicious and healthy dish that combines the smoky flavors of grilled pork belly with the freshness of lettuce. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends and family. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe!

Ingredients

For the pork belly:

• 1 pound of pork belly, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon of gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)

For the lettuce wraps:

• 1 head of lettuce, leaves separated and washed
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1/2 cup of kimchi (optional)
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Marinating the pork belly:

1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang. Mix well to make a marinade.
2. Add the sliced pork belly to the marinade and toss until all the slices are coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator for more flavor.

Grilling the pork belly:

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Remove the pork belly from the marinade and shake off any excess marinade.
3. Place the pork belly slices on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and cooked through.
4. Transfer the grilled pork belly to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes.
5. Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces.

Assembling the lettuce wraps:

1. Take a lettuce leaf and place a few pieces of grilled pork belly in the center.
2. Add some julienned cucumber, carrot, and a spoonful of kimchi (if desired) on top of the pork belly.
3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and garnish.
4. Wrap the lettuce leaf around the filling, creating a neat package. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
5. Repeat with the remaining ingredients until all the lettuce wraps are assembled.

Serving

Arrange the Korean BBQ pork belly lettuce wraps on a platter and serve them as an appetizer or a main course. These wraps are best enjoyed by dipping them in a tangy soy-based dipping sauce or ssamjang (a Korean spicy dipping sauce). They can be served alongside steamed rice or enjoyed on their own as a light and refreshing meal.

Conclusion

Korean BBQ pork belly lettuce wraps are a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The tender and smoky pork belly, along with the fresh crunch of lettuce and vegetables, creates a satisfying and healthy dish. With this simple recipe, you can easily recreate the taste of Korean BBQ at home. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy these delicious wraps together!