O-Sam Bulgogi (Squid & Pork)

O-sam-bulgogi (오삼불고기) takes its name from its two main ingredients: 'o' from ojingeo (오징어, squid) and 'sam' from samgyeopsal (삼겹살, pork belly). The combination of seafood and pork in a single dish is somewhat unusual, but in this preparation it works remarkably well. The squid and pork belly are stir-fried together over high heat in a bold sauce of gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sugar or corn syrup. Green onions, onions, and sometimes mushrooms are added to the mix. The heat is high and the cooking is fast, creating charred, caramelized edges on both the squid and pork. The resulting dish is intensely flavored — sweet, spicy, savory, and smoky — with two contrasting textures: the chewy, slightly springy squid and the rich, fatty pork belly. It is one of Korea's more exciting stir-fry dishes.