Osam-bulgogi () is a Korean dish made from squid (ojingeo in Korean) and pork belly (samgyeopsal in Korean), marinated in a blend of seasonings. The mixture is cooked over a griddle with an assortment of vegetables and mushrooms. The name âÂÂOsamâ is derived from combining the first syllables of ojingeo (ì¤ì§Âì´, squid) and samgyeopsal (ì¼겹ì´, pork belly).
The dish features thinly sliced pork belly and cleaned squid stirâÂÂfried over high heat with a spicyâÂÂsweet sauce typically based on red pepper paste (gochujang) and red pepper powder (gochugaru), often with garlic, onions, and other aromatics. The result is a vivid red, intensely flavored mixture showcasing the contrast between the fatty richness of pork and the chewy seafood texture of squid.
OsamâÂÂbulgogi is associated with the coastal and eastern regions of Korea, especially the eastâÂÂcoast province of Gangwon, where squid and pork have historically been abundant and inexpensive. Napjak Sikdang in Pyeongchang County is credited with inventing the dish. The dish remains a popular everyday meal and appears frequently in local restaurants and eateries.