Marinated pork in lettuce packages

Bulgogi is the national barbecue dish of Korea. Thin slices of marinated beef, pork, or chicken are grilled over charcoal or gas, and then wrapped in lettuce leaves along with pickled vegetables and, sometimes, hot bean paste. It is eaten with your fingers, like a spring roll. Kimchi can be purchased in Korean markets.

Ingredients

For the marinade

1/3 cup soy sauce

3 tablespoons light brown sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce

3 pounds pork shoulder blade, cut into 1/2-inch slices

1 head green or red leaf lettuce

1/2 cup hot bean paste, optional

2 cups kimchi (pickled cabbage)

Method

To make the marinade: In a medium bowl whisk together the marinade ingredients, making sure to dissolve the sugar.

Place the pork in a large, resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Press the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Turn the bag to distribute the marinade, place in a bowl, and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours, turning occasionally.

Remove the pork from the bag and discard the marinade. Grill the pork slices over Direct Medium heat until no longer pink in the centre, 8 to 10 minutes, turning once halfway through grilling time. Transfer the pork to a cutting board. Allow the meat to rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice the meat into bite-size pieces.

Allow each guest to pick a whole lettuce leaf, spread a little bean paste on top (if desired), arrange some pork and kimchi in the middle, and roll it up!

Makes 4 servings.