Pork Skirt Meat Korean BBQ Guide | Pig Company Meat Cuts Series #5

Written By OJH

If you’ve already tried the classics like pork belly and pork neck, here’s the cut that usually surprises people the most:

Pork skirt meat.

It’s not as famous as samgyeopsal. It doesn’t show up in every tourist “must-eat” list. But among Korean BBQ lovers who care about flavor and texture, pork skirt meat is a quiet favorite because it has something many cuts don’t:

deep pork flavor + chewy satisfaction + amazing grill aroma.

At Pig Company, pork skirt meat is the cut we recommend when someone says:

“I want something more meaty and flavorful.”

This is Cut #5 in the Pig Company Meat Cuts Series, where we break down each cut on our grill so you know what it is, how it tastes, how to grill it, and the best way to eat it like a regular in Seoul.

What Is Pork Skirt Meat?

Pork skirt meat is a lesser-known cut that comes from the diaphragm area of the pig. It’s not “skirt steak” like beef, but the idea is similar: it’s a thin muscle with a naturally strong flavor.

What makes pork skirt meat special is the texture.

It has:

  • a firm, meaty bite

  • a slightly chewy chew (in a good way)

  • a deeper pork taste than softer cuts

It’s the kind of cut that feels “real” on the grill — not soft, not delicate, not melt-away. Just satisfying meat.

What Does Pork Skirt Meat Taste Like?

If you’re expecting something buttery like pork belly, pork skirt meat will feel different. It’s not about fat richness. It’s about flavor and chew.

A good piece of pork skirt meat tastes:

  • savory and pork-forward

  • slightly smoky once grilled

  • meaty and concentrated

  • chewy but not tough

  • clean when paired properly

It’s a cut for people who like:

  • texture

  • a more “steak-like” bite

  • intense grilled flavor

Why Pork Skirt Meat Is Great for Korean BBQ

Pork skirt meat works perfectly in Korean BBQ because Korean BBQ isn’t only about rich fat cuts. A great meal needs contrast.

After pork belly and jowl, your mouth starts craving something:

  • less oily

  • more meaty

  • more savory

  • more “bite”

That’s exactly what pork skirt meat delivers.

1) Stronger Flavor Than You Expect

Some pork cuts taste mild. Pork skirt meat doesn’t.

It has a deeper taste that stands up well to:

  • ssamjang

  • garlic

  • kimchi

  • spicy dips

2) It’s Made for People Who Love Chewy Meat

If you’re the type who likes:

  • thick cuts

  • charred edges

  • “real bite” texture
    …this cut is for you.

3) It Doesn’t Get Greasy

Not every Korean BBQ bite needs fat melt.

Pork skirt meat feels lighter than pork belly and jowl, which makes it perfect as the “reset cut” mid-meal.

Pork Skirt Meat vs Pork Neck: What’s the Difference?

These two cuts are often compared because they’re both on the meatier side.

Pork Neck (Moksal)

  • balanced marbling

  • softer chew

  • cleaner, more universal

Pork Skirt Meat

  • stronger pork flavor

  • firmer bite

  • more “BBQ aroma” and chew

If pork neck is the safe meaty choice, pork skirt meat is the bold meaty choice.

How to Grill Pork Skirt Meat Properly (So It’s Tender, Not Tough)

Because pork skirt meat is leaner and tighter than belly, the grilling method matters a lot. Cook it correctly and it’s incredible. Overcook it and it becomes chewy in the wrong way.

Step 1: Grill on High Heat for Quick Browning

You want a strong sear.

High heat gives you:

  • browned edges

  • better aroma

  • more flavor concentration

Low heat makes it dry out without developing flavor.

Step 2: Don’t Overcook

Pork skirt meat doesn’t need a long cook.

Once it turns opaque and gets a nice brown surface, it’s ready.

Overcooked skirt meat becomes stiff.

Step 3: Cut Into Bite-Size Pieces After Grilling

This is key.

Like many Korean BBQ cuts, pork skirt meat eats better when it’s cut properly after grilling because smaller pieces:

  • stay tender

  • are easier to wrap

  • feel less chewy

Step 4: Rest for a Few Seconds

Lean cuts benefit from a short rest. It helps the juices settle, so the bite feels softer.

Best Ways to Eat Pork Skirt Meat (Pig Company Style)

Pork skirt meat has strong flavor, so pairing is everything.

1) Salt + Sesame Oil Dip (Best for First Bite)

Start simple to understand the cut.

This lets you taste:

  • the meat’s natural savory flavor

  • the charred aroma from grilling

  • the texture without distractions

2) Ssam Wrap (Best Balance)

Wrap with:

  • lettuce

  • pork skirt meat

  • small ssamjang

  • optional garlic

Because skirt meat is meaty, ssam makes it feel lighter and more balanced.

3) Pork Skirt Meat + Kimchi (Most Korean BBQ Bite)

This pairing is strong and satisfying.

Skirt meat brings smoky meat flavor.
Kimchi brings acid, spice, and contrast.

If you want one “Seoul-style BBQ bite,” do this.

4) Pork Skirt Meat + Green Chili (For Clean Heat)

Green chili adds sharpness without making the bite sweet.

This works well if you’re already eating a lot of rich cuts and want something fresh.

Who Should Order Pork Skirt Meat?

Pork skirt meat is perfect for:

  • people who love meaty cuts

  • diners who want less greasy BBQ

  • guests who like chewy, satisfying texture

  • anyone who wants to go beyond basic pork belly

It may not be ideal for:

  • people who only like soft, melt-in-your-mouth meat

  • diners who dislike chewy texture

  • someone ordering Korean BBQ for the first time and wanting the safest option

But if you’re building a real Korean BBQ table, pork skirt meat adds variety and depth.

Why Pork Skirt Meat Is Underrated (And Why Locals Love It)

Pork skirt meat doesn’t look flashy. It doesn’t have big fat layers that people recognize instantly.

But it’s one of those cuts that Korean BBQ regulars respect because it’s all about:

  • grilling skill

  • texture preference

  • deep flavor

It’s not beginner bait. It’s the cut people choose when they know what they like.

And when cooked right, it can be the most satisfying cut on the table.

Why Pig Company Serves Pork Skirt Meat

At Pig Company, we build our pork menu so it doesn’t feel repetitive.

A lot of Korean BBQ places rely heavily on:

  • belly

  • neck

  • marinated options

Those are great, but a great BBQ experience needs texture range.

Pork skirt meat gives our menu:

  • a stronger-flavored cut

  • a meatier bite option

  • a contrast to fatty cuts like belly and jowl

  • a “locals pick” that makes the meal feel more Korean

It’s for guests who want to taste the grill, not just the sauce.

FAQ: Pork Skirt Meat in Korean BBQ

Is pork skirt meat chewy?

Yes — slightly. That’s the appeal. It’s chewy in a satisfying way, not tough when grilled correctly.

Is pork skirt meat fatty?

No. It’s a meatier cut with less fat than pork belly or pork jowl.

What’s the best sauce for pork skirt meat?

Salt + sesame oil is best for the first bite. Ssamjang works great for wraps.

Is it good for first-timers?

It can be, but if you want the safest first cut, start with pork belly or pork neck, then try skirt meat as your second or third cut.

Final Thoughts: The Meaty, Flavorful Cut You Should Try After the Classics

Pork skirt meat is one of the best cuts for people who want Korean BBQ to feel more “meat-forward.”

It’s savory, chewy, and smells incredible on the grill. It’s the cut that adds depth to your BBQ table — especially when you’ve already had pork belly and want something less rich but still deeply satisfying.

If you want to eat like a Korean BBQ regular, this is the cut to try.

find us here!

Gangnam Location
Address : 2nd Floor, Gangnam-daero 98-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours : 11:30AM to 11:30PM daily
Contact : (+82)2-2-561-8891

Hongdae Location
Address : 28, Hongik-ro 5-an gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours : 11:30AM to 12:00AM daily
Contact : (+82)2-322-8891

Myeongdong Location
Address : 3rd Floor, Myeongdong 3-gil 44, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours : 11:30AM to 2:00AM daily
Contact : (+82)2-318-2990

OJH
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Pork Jowl (Hangjeongsal) Korean BBQ Guide | Pig Company Meat Cuts Series #4