Korean Samgyeopsal

Samgyeopsal is a beloved Korean barbecue dish featuring thick, fatty slices of pork belly grilled to perfection at the table. The name literally means 'three-layered meat,' referring to the distinct layers of meat, fat, and skin. It is typically served with an array of fresh lettuce, garlic, chili peppers, and various dipping sauces like ssamjang.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Samgyeopsal is high in protein and fat, with minimal carbohydrates, making it a rich and satiating dish. A typical serving of around 150 grams provides approximately 400-500 calories, along with significant amounts of B vitamins, zinc, and selenium.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	540 kcal
Protein	30 g
Carbs	0 g
Fat	46 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	0 g
Sodium	80 mg
Potassium	450 mg
Phosphorus	300 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	0.8 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.3 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)	8 mg
Vitamin B6	0.6 mg
Vitamin B12	1.5 mcg
Selenium	40 mcg

Per 1 serving (200 g, about 7 oz raw pork belly, grilled) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, the interactive experience of grilling meat at the table is central to Korean dining, emphasizing communal sharing and customization. Nutritionally, while it is high in saturated fat, it is often balanced by being wrapped in nutrient-dense vegetables and fermented sides, which is a hallmark of Korean cuisine.