Spicy & Sweet Osam Bulgogi: The Perfect Harmony of Chewy Squid and Savory Pork Belly
Master the Art of Osam Bulgogi: A Detailed Recipe for a Flavorful Korean Delight
Craving a dish with a kick? This Osam Bulgogi recipe brings together the delightful chewiness of squid and the rich flavor of pork belly, all coated in a vibrant, sweet, and spicy sauce. It’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to impressing guests. Get ready for a mouthful of satisfaction!
Main Ingredients
- 500g thinly sliced pork belly (samgyeopsal)
- 1 squid (cleaned and prepared)
- 1 onion (medium-sized)
- 1/2 stalk of Korean leek (daepa)
- 3-4 cloves garlic
Spicy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine) or cooking wine
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp Fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp Oyster sauce
Other
- 1 Tbsp Cooking oil
- A drizzle of sesame oil (for finishing)
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine) or cooking wine
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp Fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp Oyster sauce
Other
- 1 Tbsp Cooking oil
- A drizzle of sesame oil (for finishing)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, combine all the ingredients for the sauce in a bowl and mix well to create the Osam Bulgogi sauce. Take about half of this sauce and toss it with the thinly sliced pork belly. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully into the meat.
Step 2
While the pork is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Slice the onion into thick slices (about 0.5cm thick) for a pleasant texture. Cut the Korean leek diagonally. Slice the garlic into thin pieces (or mince them if you prefer). If you like it extra spicy, thinly slice a Korean chili pepper and add it to the mix.
Step 3
Cut the prepared squid into bite-sized pieces, approximately 2-3cm in length. It’s best to keep them a decent size, as they will shrink a bit when cooked.
Step 4
Heat a skillet or wok over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Add the sliced leeks, onions, and garlic. Stir-fry until the vegetables become fragrant and slightly softened. You’ll notice a wonderful aroma developing as they cook.
Step 5
Once the garlic and leeks are aromatic, add the marinated pork belly to the pan. Stir-fry until the pork is about 70% cooked through. When the pork is nearly done, add the cut squid and continue to stir-fry. Be careful not to overcook the squid, as it can become tough; cook just until it changes color and is no longer translucent.
Step 6
Now, add the remaining sauce to the pan. Mix everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat all the ingredients evenly. Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in a little sesame oil for an extra layer of aroma and flavor, then give it a final stir. Your delicious Osam Bulgogi is ready!
Step 7
Transfer the finished Osam Bulgogi to a serving bowl, preferably a slightly deep one to hold all the deliciousness. Garnish with finely chopped green onions (or the green parts of the leek) and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.
Step 8
Once you’ve enjoyed about half of the Osam Bulgogi, try these delightful serving suggestions! Cook some somen noodles, rinse them in cold water, and toss them with the remaining sauce in the pan for a fantastic noodle dish. Alternatively, finely chop some well-fermented kimchi, stir-fry it with leftover rice and a pinch of seaweed flakes to create a savory fried rice. Both options are wonderful ways to enhance your Osam Bulgogi experience!
