🇰🇷 South Korea · Food
Bossam (Napa Cabbage Pork Wraps)
By eatmundo · July 12, 2026
🇰🇷 KRAI-generated imageThis succulent boiled pork dish is a staple of Korean festive gatherings, paired with fresh kimchi and crisp cabbage leaves. It’s a masterclass in balancing tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat with spicy, crunchy vegetables.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Place 1kg of pork belly into a large heavy-bottomed pot filled with enough water to cover the meat completely.
- 2
Add 3 tablespoons of doenjang, 1 tablespoon of instant coffee, and a few whole garlic cloves to the water to remove the pork's gamey scent.
- 3
Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 60 minutes until the meat is fork-tender.
- 4
Check for doneness by inserting a skewer; if it slides through the meat without resistance, it is perfectly cooked.
- 5
Carefully remove the pork from the liquid and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes to lock in the juices.
- 6
Slice the pork belly into thin, 5mm-thick strips using a sharp knife for clean edges.
- 7
Prepare fresh Napa cabbage leaves and radish kimchi to serve alongside the sliced pork.
- 8
Assemble your wrap by placing a slice of meat on a cabbage leaf, topping it with a small amount of kimchi, and folding it into a bite-sized package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bossam?+
Bossam is a Korean dish consisting of boiled pork belly wrapped in fresh napa cabbage leaves. It is seasoned with aromatics like ginger, garlic, and soybean paste, and typically served with radish kimchi during social gatherings or dinners.
What cut of pork is best?+
Pork belly is the traditional choice for its high fat content, but pork shoulder can be used for a leaner version.
Why use coffee in the boiling water?+
Coffee helps eliminate the pungent pork smell and imparts a subtle, rich depth to the meat.
Can I make this ahead of time?+
You can boil the pork ahead, but it is best served warm and freshly sliced to prevent it from becoming dry.
What if the meat falls apart?+
If the pork is too soft, chill it for 30 minutes in the refrigerator before slicing to achieve clean, professional cuts.
🇰🇷 KRAI-generated imageMundo Match
This dish doesn't have a strong Mundo Match yet — but here's the closest ingredient overlap we found across the world's cuisines.
