With the advent of the popular modern Korean eatery, ZingGa Casual BBQ is making Canyon Country a hotbed for the sublime barbeque tastes emanating from Asia’s once hermit kingdom. While many K-bbq fans set their sights on ZingGa’s more familiar grilled Galbi short ribs or Bulgogi barbequed beef, chicken and pork dishes, there is an interesting culinary movement afoot here.
It has to do with one of the dishes most beloved by Koreans, that is a staple of the grilling culture overseas, which has caught on here in the Santa Clarita Valley. We are talking about Samgyeopsal a.k.a. pork belly. Of the dozen or so entrees in ZingGa’s lineup, Samgyeopsal pork belly has fast become the favorite among the regular customers. The Korean name for pork belly is Samgyeopsal; its literal meaning translates to three-layers-flesh, referring to what appear to be layers of fat, muscle and protein visible in a strip cut of meat.
Easily the most popular pork dish in Korea and Koreatown, the Western stigma against pork, especially the extra fatty appearing belly cut, hasn’t warded off nations of barbeque enthusiasts, and their ex-patriots. In fact, a case for the benefits of moderately healthy pork consumption has been made by nutritionists both in the United States and abroad.
That argument proposes that during the last century, use of vegetable oils overtook animal fats in the American diet. This has created an imbalance in levels of omega-6s (found in vegetable oils) and omegas-3 (found in animal fats), which, in turn, adversely affects the roles both the omegas are responsible for in human cell function. In attempts to restore balance to our collective diet, pork fat has been staging a quiet comeback in certain enlightened health conscious/culinary circles.
Reasons for ZingGa’s pork belly fascination may vary, but when it comes to barbeque what matters most usually comes down to meat flavor, consistency/texture, and perhaps the added X factor presented by a unique sauce. From the original house sauce made from a combination of naturally fermented red pepper, soybean, sweet rice and sea salt and used to flavor the cooked pork belly, ZingGa’s preparation and presentation demonstrate not only an expertise in traditional Korean cuisine but include a willingness to experiment with fusion tastes.
ZingGa Casual BBQ is open daily 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., including weekends. Located at 26910 Sierra Hwy, D-6 in Canyon Country, next to Stater Brothers. For more information, call 661-250-7592.