How to Make the Perfect Bossam
Korean · Easy · 70 min · 6 servings
Bossam is a tender Korean boiled pork dish that is incredibly kid friendly because the meat is soft and mild in flavor. Parents love this recipe because it requires minimal effort and produces juicy pork that children enjoy wrapped in fresh cabbage.
Why this recipe works
This Bossam recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 70 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 480 calories with 32g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 kg pork belly block
- 2 tbsp doenjang soybean paste
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp ginger sliced
- 1 head napa cabbage leaves
- 3 tbsp ssamjang dipping sauce
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Fill a large pot with enough water to submerge the pork belly. Add doenjang paste, garlic, and ginger slices to the water and bring to a boil.
Step 2: Boil the Pork
Add pork belly to the boiling broth and reduce heat to medium. Simmer uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes until the pork is fully cooked and very tender throughout.
Step 3: Slice the Pork
Remove pork from the broth and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Cut into thin half centimeter slices against the grain for the most tender bite.
Step 4: Assemble the Wraps
Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place a slice of pork in the center. Add a small dollop of ssamjang sauce on top and wrap the leaf around the filling to serve.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- doenjang paste → miso paste for similar depth of flavor
- napa cabbage → butter lettuce or green leaf lettuce
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not simmering long enough which leaves the pork tough and chewy
- Skipping the aromatics in the broth which gives the pork its signature mild flavor
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 480 calories, 32g protein, 6g carbs, 36g fat, 2g fiber.
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