Want samgyeopsal without belly fat? Eat it with this herb

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For those who love grilled pork belly (samgyeopsal) but hate the idea of gaining belly fat, the secret may lie in a simple Korean herb: minari (water dropwort). Loved by some for its refreshing aroma and avoided by others for its bitter edge, minari is one of the most potent detoxifying vegetables in Korean cuisine — especially when paired with meat or fish.

Enhancing flavor while reducing fat

Thanks to its strong scent, minari helps neutralize the greasy odor of meat and the fishy smell of seafood, enhancing the overall taste of a dish. When eaten with fatty meat, it can even help reduce fat absorption and support vascular health. According to the Rural Development Administration, minari contains 10–15 milligrams of phytosterols per 100 grams, compounds known to lower blood cholesterol levels.

A natural detoxifier for the body

Minari is rich in potassium, which helps flush toxins and heavy metals from the body, according to the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences. Dishes like stews or soups containing minari are known to help relieve hangovers by promoting liver recovery after alcohol consumption. Traditional Korean medicine texts, including Donguibogam, also describe minari as a food that “quenches thirst and clears the head.” It’s particularly helpful on days when fine dust levels are high, as it assists in detoxification.

How to reduce bitter taste

For those who find minari’s slightly bitter taste off-putting, blanching it lightly or mixing it with seasoning can make it milder. Grilling it alongside meat adds a nutty, savory note. However, since minari is considered a “cooling” food, those with cold stomachs should eat it in moderation. The recommended daily intake is about 70 grams — roughly one handful.

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.