Bossam
Bossam has old origins in Korean cuisine, initially appearing as a ritual dish served during ancestral tomb-tending ceremonies or on the occasion of making winter kimchi (kimjang), when whole communities gathered to prepare provisions for the cold months. Boiling the meat rather than frying it was considered a mark of respect toward guests. Today bossam remains a popular dish at parties and specialist restaurants, appreciated for the contrast between the rich meat and the freshness of the raw greens that balance it.
Pork belly boiled in spices
A whole piece of pork belly simmers slowly in water scented with paprika, ginger, and onion, until incredibly tender.
Wrapped in cabbage leaves
Thin slices of boiled pork are wrapped in fresh napa cabbage or lettuce leaves, never fried.
Often served with oyster salad
A spicy salad of raw oysters or quick-pickled radish almost always completes the bossam plate.
Raw garlic and green chilies on the side
Slices of raw garlic, spicy green chilies, and fermented soybean paste are added into each wrap right at the table.
Ingredients 4 servings
- 1kg pork belly, in one piece
- 1 onion
- 50g ginger, sliced
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika
- 10 napa cabbage or lettuce leaves
- 8 garlic cloves, sliced raw
- 2 spicy green chilies, sliced
- 3 tbsp fermented soybean paste (doenjang)
- Coarse salt
How to make it
- 1Place the pork belly in a large pot of water, along with the onion, ginger, paprika, and coarse salt.
- 2Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about an hour, until very tender.
- 3Remove the meat and let it cool slightly, enough to slice.
- 4Cut the pork belly into thin slices, about half a centimetre thick.
- 5Wash and separate the napa cabbage or lettuce leaves, arranging them on a platter.
- 6Place the raw garlic slices, green chili, and fermented soybean paste in small bowls, alongside the meat.
- 7Serve everything at the table, with each person wrapping their own roll of meat, greens, and condiments.
Nutritional info
per serving (~350 g)
Estimated nutritional values.
Pairs perfectly with
