If you’ve never tasted Osam Bulgogi before, prepare to discover one of Korea’s most beloved and flavorful dishes. A sizzling medley of tender pork belly (samgyeopsal) and chewy squid (ojingeo), this dish blends the richness of meat with the ocean’s freshness — all wrapped up in a spicy, slightly sweet gochujang-based sauce. It’s hearty, bold, and utterly comforting.
In Korea, Osam Bulgogi is the kind of dish that brings families and friends together. Whether you’re at a busy restaurant in Seoul or cooking at home on a weekend, this dish feels like a celebration. It’s particularly loved by people who enjoy spice, as the gochujang and gochugaru combination creates a deep and lingering heat that’s balanced by the sweetness of onions, carrots, and a touch of sugar or honey.
Let me show you how to make it and why it deserves a spot in your weekly meal plan — even if you’re watching your diet.
What Makes Osam Bulgogi So Popular?
In Korean cuisine, we often see dishes that masterfully combine land and sea. Osam Bulgogi is the perfect example — the fatty, savory pork belly balances the light, briny squid beautifully. The sauce is where the magic really happens: a mixture of gochujang (Korean red chili paste), soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and a hint of sweetness. Add some veggies, and the result is a perfectly balanced stir-fry that’s spicy, savory, and a little smoky when cooked in a hot pan.
This dish is a favorite in Korean BBQ restaurants, where it’s served sizzling on a tabletop grill. It’s often wrapped in lettuce with a slice of garlic and a dab of ssamjang — the perfect bite. But at home, it’s equally satisfying served over a bowl of steamed rice or paired with side dishes like kimchi, kongnamul (seasoned bean sprouts), or even a soft fried egg on top.
Osam Bulgogi Ingredients You’ll Need
For 2–3 servings:
- 200g pork belly (thinly sliced)
- 200g fresh squid (cleaned and sliced into rings or strips)
- ½ onion, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 green chili pepper, sliced (optional for heat)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Sauce Mix:
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine or mirin
- 1 tbsp sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
- Prep Ingredients: Clean and slice the squid. Slice the pork belly thinly. Chop the vegetables and set everything aside.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together gochujang, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, garlic, gochugaru, and black pepper.
- Marinate: Add the pork and squid into the sauce and let it sit for at least 15–20 minutes. This helps tenderize the squid and allows the meat to absorb the flavors.
- Cook Veggies: Heat a skillet or wok on medium-high heat with a small amount of oil. Add the onions, carrots, and green chili. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add Meat & Squid: Push the veggies to the side and add the marinated meat and squid. Cook together, stirring frequently, for about 5–7 minutes or until everything is fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
- Finish: Add green onions and sesame oil. Stir for another 30 seconds.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve with rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves.
Health Benefits of Osam Bulgogi Ingredients
- Squid: Low in fat, high in protein, and a good source of selenium, which supports thyroid health and antioxidant function.
- Pork Belly: While fatty, it provides B-vitamins and essential amino acids. In moderation, it adds richness to dishes without being overwhelming.
- Garlic & Gochujang: These ingredients support immunity and metabolism. Gochujang contains capsaicin, which may enhance fat oxidation.
- Onions, Carrots, Green Chili: Full of antioxidants and fiber, these vegetables support digestion and cardiovascular health.
If you’re watching your weight, you can reduce the pork belly portion slightly and bulk up the vegetables. Or substitute with lean pork cuts or even tofu.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Osam? Try it with king oyster mushrooms and tofu instead of pork and squid.
- More Seafood? Add shrimp or mussels to enhance the ocean flavor.
- Rice Bowl or Wrap? Serve over barley rice or make lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.
Similar Dishes Around the World
- Japanese Ika-Yaki: Grilled squid with soy-based sauce.
- Chinese Twice-Cooked Pork: Uses spicy bean paste and pork belly.
- Thai Pad Prik Pao: Stir-fried meats in chili paste.
Each has its own twist, but Korea’s Osam Bulgogi shines in its harmony of flavors and the soul-satisfying depth of its sauce.
My Final Thoughts
Growing up, Osam Bulgogi was always one of those dishes I looked forward to on special weekends. It’s spicy, savory, and somehow comforting in the way only Korean food can be. If you’re looking to add bold new flavors to your weeknight meals, this is the recipe to try.
Not only is it full of flavor — it’s filled with ingredients that support your health. Enjoy it with rice, wrap it in lettuce, or even pair it with makgeolli (Korean rice wine) for an authentic experience.