Recipe: Korean BBQ Spicy Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps With Kimchi And Pickled Vegetables

Introduction

Are you craving a delicious and spicy dish that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Seoul? Look no further than these mouthwatering Korean BBQ Spicy Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps. This recipe combines tender and flavorful pork belly with the tanginess of kimchi and the refreshing crunch of pickled vegetables, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. Get ready to experience a burst of flavors in every bite!

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork belly, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lettuce leaves for wrapping
• Kimchi (store-bought or homemade)
• Pickled vegetables (carrots, radishes, cucumbers, etc.)
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Marinating the Pork Belly

Before grilling or cooking the pork belly, it needs to be marinated to infuse it with flavor.

1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, gochujang, honey, minced garlic, sesame oil, grated ginger, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the pork belly slices to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.

Grilling the Pork Belly

The best way to cook the pork belly for these lettuce wraps is on a grill, but you can also use a stovetop grill pan or a regular frying pan.

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Remove the pork belly slices from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
3. Grill the pork belly slices for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are nicely charred and cooked through.
4. Once cooked, transfer the pork belly to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Assembling the Lettuce Wraps

Now comes the fun part – assembling these delectable lettuce wraps!

1. Take a lettuce leaf and place a few slices of grilled pork belly in the center.
2. Add a spoonful of kimchi on top of the pork belly.
3. Add some pickled vegetables for an extra crunch and tangy flavor.
4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.
5. Wrap the lettuce leaf around the filling, creating a neat bundle.
6. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Serving and Enjoying

These Korean BBQ Spicy Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps are best enjoyed as a communal dish, allowing everyone to build their own wraps according to their preferences.

Arrange the lettuce wraps on a platter and serve with extra kimchi, pickled vegetables, and any remaining marinade for dipping. Encourage your guests to experiment with different combinations of flavors and textures.

Now it’s time to dig in and savor the explosion of flavors in each bite. The tender and spicy pork belly, combined with the tanginess of kimchi and the refreshing crunch of pickled vegetables, will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Seoul. Enjoy!