K-food guide: Tricks for grilling samgyeopsal at home without the smell
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These easy tips will help significantly reduce the odor from grilling this signature K-food menu in your own space
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Koreans have a special affection for grilled pork belly, known locally as samgyeopsal, but it's not the easiest dish to make at home. It produces a strong smell that can spread within and outside the home. Since many Koreans live in apartments, grilling at home has been frowned upon by people who are sensitive to food odors.
A recent social media post by Lee Mi-joo of the K-pop girl group Lovelyz has renkindled the debate: Is grilling pork belly on your balcony harmless, or a nuisance to neighbors?
The controversy quickly turned into practical tips on how to reduce the strong, lingering smell that comes from grilling meat at home:
1. Line your pan with parchment paper
Parchment paper cuts down oil splatter and smoke, which helps reduce odor.
2. Control airflow, but don’t just open everything
Instead of opening all windows, create directional ventilation by opening balcony windows, closing inside doors and turning on fans to push smells outward instead of letting them circulate indoors.
3. Clean the meat before cooking
Use a paper towel to remove excess fat and moisture. Less fat means less smoke and smell.
4. Use your air fryer first
Cook the meat about 70 percent of the way in the air fryer first, then finish it in a pan. This dramatically reduces smoke at the source.
5. Use vinegar
Place a cup of vinegar mixed with water near your cooking spot. Wave a damp towel in the air after cooking. These help absorb odor particles.
6. Clean up immediately after eating
The lingering smells of grilling often come from leftover grease. Wash pans right away with hot water to stop odor buildup.
Coffee grounds or scented candles can also help neutralize smells in the room.
This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.