Korean Grilled Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal) on Arteflame

Introduction

Grilled pork belly, known as Samgyeopsal, is one of the most beloved Korean BBQ dishes. Thick slices of pork belly are seared to perfection over high heat, locking in the juices while creating a crispy, golden crust. Using the Arteflame grill, we achieve a restaurant-quality sear on the center grill grate at 1,000°F before finishing it to tender perfection on the outer flat-top cooktop. Let's get grilling!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork belly, thick-cut slices
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Drizzle vegetable oil over three paper napkins.
2. Place the oiled napkins in the center of the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins.
4. Light the napkins and allow the fire to ignite.
5. Wait about 20 minutes until the grill is hot and the flat cooktop is sizzling.

Step 2: Prepare the pork belly

1. Season the pork belly slices with sea salt, black pepper, and sesame oil.
2. Rub minced garlic onto both sides of the pork belly slices.

Step 3: Sear the pork belly

1. Place the pork belly slices directly on the center grill grate at 1,000°F.
2. Sear for about 1 minute per side until a golden-brown crust forms.

Step 4: Move to the flat-top cooktop

1. Transfer the seared pork belly slices to the outer griddle area of the Arteflame.
2. Cook the pork belly for another 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally for even cooking.
3. Add butter to the cooktop near the pork belly for extra flavor.

Step 5: Prepare the dipping sauce

1. On the cooktop, mix soy sauce, gochujang, rice vinegar, and green onion.
2. Stir and heat for about 1 minute until the mixture is well-combined.

Step 6: Rest and serve

1. Remove pork belly when the internal temperature is 15°F below the desired level.
2. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
3. Serve with dipping sauce and enjoy!

Tips

• Ensure the grill is fully preheated before grilling for the best sear.
• Use high-quality pork belly for rich, flavorful results.
• Resting the pork allows the juices to redistribute for extra tenderness.

Variations

1. Spicy Garlic Samgyeopsal: Add extra minced garlic and red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
2. Sweet Soy Korean Pork Belly: Mix honey and soy sauce for a sweet and savory balance.
3. Ginger Miso Pork Belly: Rub pork with a miso and ginger marinade before grilling.
4. Citrus Soy Pork Belly: Add lime juice and zest for a refreshing tang.
5. Smoky BBQ Pork Belly: Use smoked paprika and a touch of brown sugar for a smoky-sweet flavor.

Best pairings

• Steamed white rice
• Korean kimchi
• Grilled mushrooms and onions
• Fresh lettuce with ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce)
• Ice-cold Korean soju or beer

Conclusion

With the power of the Arteflame grill, you can achieve an incredible sear and tender, juicy pork belly every time. The combination of high heat and even cooking zones ensures a perfect bite in every slice. Enjoy it with traditional Korean sides or wrap it in lettuce with fresh garlic and chili for an authentic experience.