Kijogae Samhap || Scallop Three-Way Combination, 키조개삼합 Leave a comment

Kijogae (키조개): This refers to the pen shell or razor clam in Korean. However, in the context of this dish, it specifically refers to the adductor muscle of the pen shell, which is a large, meaty, and slightly sweet scallop-like muscle.

Samhap (삼합): This literally translates to “three harmony” or “three combination.” In Korean cuisine, it refers to a dish that brings together three distinct ingredients that are meant to be eaten together, creating a unique flavor and textural experience. The most famous Samhap is 홍어삼합 (hongeo samhap), which includes fermented skate, boiled pork belly, and aged kimchi.

Therefore, Kijogae Samhap (키조개삼합) is a dish that features the adductor muscle of the pen shell (kijogae) as one of the three key ingredients. The other two ingredients can vary depending on the region and the specific restaurant, but common combinations include:

Common Combinations for Kijogae Samhap:

• Kijogae (키조개) + Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal or Suyuk, 삼겹살 or 수육) + Kimchi (Kimchi, 김치): This is a very popular combination, offering the sweetness of the scallop muscle, the richness of the pork belly, and the spicy, tangy flavor of kimchi.
• Kijogae (키조개) + Beef Brisket (Chadolbagi, 차돌박이) + Mushrooms (Beoseot, 버섯): This combination provides a different flavor profile with the savory beef and earthy mushrooms complementing the scallop.

So, a more descriptive English translation would be:

Scallop Three-Way Combination: Adductor Muscle of Pen Shell Served with Two Other Complementary Ingredients (such as Pork Belly and Kimchi, or Beef Brisket and Mushrooms)

When you order Kijogae Samhap, you will typically receive thinly sliced or prepared kijogae along with the other two chosen ingredients. You then take a piece of each of the three components and wrap them together in a lettuce leaf or other leafy vegetable before eating. This allows you to experience the “harmony” of the three distinct flavors and textures in one bite.

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