How to Make Bossam (보쌈): Korean Boiled Pork Wraps
How to Make Bossam (보쌈): Korean Boiled Pork Wraps
Bossam (보쌈) is a classic Korean dish featuring juicy slices of boiled pork wrapped in fresh leafy vegetables with spicy, salty, and savory accompaniments like kimchi, garlic, ssamjang, and salted shrimp. It’s a comforting and shareable dish, often enjoyed during kimjang (김장, traditional kimchi-making season) or as a luxurious home-cooked meal.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make restaurant-style bossam at home, including tender pork belly, flavorful broth, and tips for wrapping and serving.
What Is Bossam?
Bossam (보쌈) means “wrapped” — referring to wrapping slices of boiled pork in leafy vegetables like napa cabbage or lettuce. The pork is typically simmered in a broth with aromatics like garlic, ginger, and doenjang (soybean paste) to reduce odor and enhance flavor.
It’s commonly served with:
- Mukeunji (묵은지): Aged kimchi
- Saeujeot (새우젓): Salted fermented shrimp
- Ssamjang (쌈장): Korean dipping sauce
- Fresh vegetables: Lettuce, perilla leaves, sliced garlic, and chili
Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
For the Pork:
- 800g pork belly (or pork shoulder)
- 1 onion (halved)
- 5 garlic cloves
- 1 thumb-sized ginger (sliced)
- 1 tbsp doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 1 tbsp instant coffee or 1 tea bag (optional for odor control)
- 6–7 black peppercorns
- 5 cups water
For the Wraps:
- Napa cabbage leaves (blanched) or lettuce/perilla leaves (raw)
- Mukeunji (aged kimchi)
- Sliced garlic and chili
- Ssamjang or saeujeot
How to Make Bossam – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
- In a large pot, add water, onion, garlic, ginger, doenjang, peppercorns, and coffee/tea.
- Bring to a boil.
Step 2: Boil the Pork
- Add pork belly to the broth.
- Simmer on medium heat for 60–80 minutes until fork-tender.
- Skim foam as needed.
Step 3: Cool and Slice
- Remove pork from broth.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice into 0.5 cm pieces.
Step 4: Prepare Wrap Ingredients
- Blanch napa cabbage leaves in boiling water and rinse in cold water.
- Arrange perilla leaves, lettuce, kimchi, garlic, and chili on a large platter.
Step 5: Serve & Wrap
- Place a leaf in your hand.
- Add pork slice, ssamjang or saeujeot, kimchi, garlic, and chili.
- Wrap and enjoy in one bite!
Tips for Perfect Bossam
- Use good quality pork belly: More fat = more flavor.
- Add doenjang and coffee/tea: Cuts down odor and adds umami.
- Slice after resting: Keeps juices in the pork.
- Serve with mukeunji: The tanginess balances the richness.
Final Thoughts
Bossam is one of the most satisfying Korean meals you can make at home — rich, tender pork wrapped in cool, crisp vegetables with spicy, tangy condiments. It’s a perfect centerpiece for a Korean dinner party or a comforting weekend meal.
Try this traditional bossam recipe and experience why it’s one of Korea’s most cherished pork dishes.
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