Sanjeok

Sanjeok is a traditional Korean skewered dish that is often served during holidays and special occasions. The name "Sanjeok" is derived from the Korean words "san" meaning mountain, and "jeok" meaning skewer, symbolizing a mountain of skewered food.

History

The history of Sanjeok dates back to the Three Kingdoms Period (57 BC – 668 AD), making it one of the oldest dishes in Korean cuisine. It was traditionally served during ancestral rites, festive occasions, and royal court banquets.

Preparation

Sanjeok is made by skewering pieces of marinated meat, seafood, and vegetables, then grilling or pan-frying them. The ingredients are typically marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and chopped green onions. The most commonly used ingredients include beef, mushrooms, green onions, and carrots. However, the ingredients can vary depending on personal preference and regional variations.

Variations

There are several variations of Sanjeok, including:

• Gul Sanjeok: This version uses oysters along with green onions.
• Beoseot Sanjeok: This version features mushrooms as the main ingredient.
• Saengseon Sanjeok: This version uses fish fillets.

Cultural Significance

Sanjeok is not only a popular dish in Korean cuisine but also holds cultural significance. It is often prepared for ancestral rites known as Jesa, and for Seollal, the Korean New Year.

See Also

• Korean cuisine
• List of Korean dishes
• Korean royal court cuisine