Every Night Is a Pork Belly Party at This Lively Korean Barbecue Spot

"Naengdong samgyeopsal, or thinly sliced frozen pork belly, is all the rage in South Korea - and now Angelenos can recreate the same dining experience at K-Team BBQ. The casual, no-reservation Koreatown barbecue restaurant is a venture from the owner and director of operations behind the iconic Park's BBQ, located across the street. While K-Team uses similarly high-quality banchan and serves several types of beef, the house specialty remains the naengdong samgyeopsal, shortened to "naeng-sam" on the menu."

"Any of the five pork cuts will satisfy, but the signature naeng-sam is a go-to for a reason. The crispy, razor-thin cuts of pork belly are at their best when sprinkled with black pepper and anointed with supplemental myeonglan ssam jang, or seasoned pollack roe. If fish eggs aren't your thing, build your own ssam (wrap) with complimentary lettuce and perilla leaves by dabbing on soybean paste and adding a few slices of garlic and jalapeño."

"Beyond the usual add-ons of steamed egg and a kimchi or soybean paste stew, dotori bibim guksu (cold spicy acorn noodles) stands out as an accompaniment. A bowl of red-tinged, icy beef broth topped with dried seaweed, egg, sesame seeds, cucumber, pear, and radish conceals bouncy, extra-chewy noodles. If you or someone else in your party insists on beef, round out a family-style order with bone-in galbi or jumulleok, which consists of boneless short rib in a savory, salt-based marinade."

K-Team BBQ is a casual, no-reservation Koreatown barbecue focused on naengdong samgyeopsal — thinly sliced frozen pork belly shortened to naeng-sam — served with high-quality banchan and several beef selections. Orange-and-white tiled tables, a bumping K-pop soundtrack, and rectangular cast-iron grills create an upbeat group-oriented ambience for beer, soju, and hard liquor. Signature naeng-sam is best with black pepper and myeonglan ssam jang, or as a DIY ssam with lettuce, perilla, soybean paste, garlic, and jalapeño. Notable accompaniments include dotori bibim guksu and beef options like bone-in galbi and jumulleok. Most tables fit up to six guests.

Read at Eater LA