Recipe Bossam

Bossam is a traditional Korean dish featuring succulent boiled pork served with a variety of accompaniments. This dish is known for its tender texture and rich flavor, often enjoyed wrapped in lettuce leaves with various side dishes. Bossam is not only a popular dish for family gatherings and celebrations but also a beloved comfort food in Korean cuisine. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making Bossam, including the ingredients needed, preparation steps, tips, variations, calorie information, and a concluding note.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds of pork belly or pork shoulder
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 5-6 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 1 piece of ginger (about 2 inches), sliced
• 2-3 green onions, cut into large pieces
• 5-6 dried jujubes (optional)
• 10-12 whole black peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of rice wine or mirin
• 1 tablespoon of doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
• 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
• 2-3 bay leaves

For Serving

• Fresh lettuce leaves
• Perilla leaves (optional)
• Kimchi
• Ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce)
• Sliced garlic
• Sliced green chili peppers

Preparation and Serving Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

1. In a large pot, add enough water to fully submerge the pork.
2. Add the quartered onion, crushed garlic, sliced ginger, green onions, jujubes, black peppercorns, soy sauce, rice wine or mirin, doenjang, gochugaru, and bay leaves.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Cook the Pork

1. Once the broth is boiling, add the pork belly or pork shoulder.
2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and cooked through.
3. Occasionally skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.

Step 3: Slice the Pork

1. Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly.
2. Slice the pork into thin, bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Serve the Bossam

1. Arrange the sliced pork on a platter.
2. Serve with fresh lettuce leaves, perilla leaves, kimchi, ssamjang, sliced garlic, and sliced green chili peppers.
3. To eat, take a piece of pork and place it on a lettuce leaf, add a small amount of ssamjang, a slice of garlic, and green chili, then wrap it up and enjoy.

Tips for Making Perfect Bossam

1. Choose the Right Cut of Pork: Pork belly is the most commonly used cut for Bossam due to its tender and juicy texture, but pork shoulder is also a great option for a leaner version.
2. Simmer Slowly: Cooking the pork at a low temperature ensures that it becomes tender without drying out.
3. Flavorful Broth: The broth is key to infusing the pork with rich flavors, so don't skip any of the ingredients.
4. Rest the Pork: Letting the pork rest after boiling allows the juices to redistribute, making it easier to slice and more flavorful.

Variations of Bossam

1. Spicy Bossam: Add gochujang (Korean red chili paste) to the broth for a spicier version of Bossam.
2. Miso Bossam: Use miso paste instead of doenjang for a slightly different flavor profile.
3. Garlic Bossam: Increase the amount of garlic in the broth for a more intense garlic flavor.
4. Vegetable Bossam: Serve with additional fresh vegetables like cucumber, carrot sticks, and bell pepper slices for added crunch and nutrition.

Calorie Information

The calorie content of Bossam can vary depending on the cut of pork used and the serving size. On average, a serving of Bossam (about 100 grams of pork) contains approximately:

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Protein: 20-25 grams
• Fat: 18-22 grams
• Carbohydrates: 1-2 grams

These values can change based on the accompaniments and sauces used during serving.

Conclusion

Bossam is a delectable Korean dish that brings together tender boiled pork with fresh, vibrant accompaniments. Whether you're enjoying it at a festive gathering or as a comforting meal, Bossam offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. By following this recipe and incorporating some of the tips and variations, you can create a delicious Bossam that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the rich taste of Korean cuisine with this wonderful dish!