Introduction to Korean food Bossam
Korean food Bossam is a traditional Korean dish that is made with steamed pork belly. The meat is wrapped in lettuce or sesame leaves, along with various side dishes such as kimchi, garlic, and radish. The dish is typically served with a spicy mustard sauce and soybean paste. It is considered a popular and traditional dish in Korean cuisine.
History of Bossam
The origins of bossam can be traced back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) in Korea. During this period, pork was considered a luxury food and was only consumed by the upper class. It is believed that the dish was created as a way to preserve and store the pork, as it was wrapped in cabbage leaves and sealed with a spicy sauce. Over time, the dish evolved to include steaming and other ingredients such as garlic, radish, and kimchi. Today, it is enjoyed by people of all classes in Korea.
Ingredients and Preparation
The main ingredient in bossam is pork belly, which is typically cut into thin slices. The meat is then marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and spices before being steamed. Other ingredients include lettuce or sesame leaves for wrapping, kimchi, garlic, and radish as side dishes. The dish is typically served with a spicy mustard sauce and soybean paste.
To prepare bossam, the pork belly is first marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and spices. The meat is then steamed for several hours until it is tender. The steamed pork is then sliced and placed on a platter along with the side dishes and sauces. The dish is typically eaten by wrapping the pork, side dishes, and sauces in the lettuce or sesame leaves.
Variations of Bossam
There are several variations of bossam that are popular in Korean cuisine. One variation is “hoengseong-bossam,” which is made with wild boar meat. Another is “gyeongsang-bossam,” which is made with a sweeter sauce and includes more vegetables. “Jeju-bossam” is made with a mix of pork belly and pork shoulder and is marinated in a sweeter sauce and is a famous local food in Jeju Island.
How to Enjoy Bossam
The best way to enjoy bossam is to wrap a piece of the steamed pork, along with some of the side dishes and sauces, in a lettuce or sesame leaf. The combination of the tender pork, spicy mustard sauce, and the crunch of the lettuce creates a unique and delicious flavor. Bossam is often enjoyed with a bowl of rice and a cold beer. It can also be enjoyed as a family style dish, sharing the platter of pork belly, side dishes, and sauces, with others.
In conclusion
bossam is a traditional and popular Korean dish that is made with steamed pork belly. It is typically wrapped in lettuce or sesame leaves, along with various side dishes such as kimchi, garlic, and radish. It is considered a traditional and popular dish in Korean cuisine. The dish has a long history and various variations, and it is best enjoyed with friends and family, along with a bowl of rice and a cold beer.