What Does Tangsuyuk Mean? The Origin of Its Name in Korean-Chinese Cuisine

1. The Meaning Behind the Name 'Tangsuyuk (糖醋肉)'

The word ‘Tangsuyuk’ is composed of Chinese characters: ‘糖 (Tang)’ means sugar (sweet), ‘醋 (Su)’ means vinegar (sour), and ‘肉 (Yuk)’ means meat. So literally, it translates to “sweet and sour meat.” Just from its name, you can infer both the flavor and the cooking method of this dish.

2. The Chinese Original: ‘Gulu Rou (咕嚕肉)’

Tangsuyuk originates from the Cantonese dish “Gulu Rou (咕嚕肉)”, a sweet and sour pork dish from Guangdong, China. It’s made by cutting pork into bite-sized pieces, deep-frying them, and coating them with a sweet and sour sauce. In Cantonese, ‘咕嚕’ implies a crispy and tangy taste, which perfectly describes the dish.

3. How Korea Reinterpreted Tangsuyuk

Once introduced to Korea, Tangsuyuk was adapted to suit Korean palates. The sauce became thicker, sweeter, and a wider variety of vegetables were added, such as carrots, onions, cucumbers, and bell peppers. The batter became crispier and thicker. In Korea, there is even a cultural debate between “pour-over” style (부먹, ‘boomeok’) and “dip style” (찍먹, ‘jjikmeok’), which reflects the dish’s deep cultural relevance.

4. Variations: Beef? Chicken? Even Vegan Tangsuyuk

Although traditionally made with pork, today’s Tangsuyuk comes in many varieties: beef tangsuyuk, fried chicken tangsuyuk, and even vegan versions with mushrooms. This shows how Korean-Chinese cuisine continues to evolve beyond strict traditional rules.

5. Other 'Tangsuyuk-Style' Dishes

• Tangsuseu (Shrimp): Fried shrimp coated with tangsuyuk-style sweet and sour sauce
• Tangsuyuk Mushroom: Vegetarian version using mushrooms like shiitake or oyster mushrooms
• Tangsuyuk Dumplings: Fried dumplings with sweet and sour sauce — a fusion-style side dish

6. Why Is It So Popular in Korea?

Tangsuyuk is considered one of the “big three” in Korean-Chinese cuisine, along with jajangmyeon and jjamppong. It’s a beloved menu item for all ages — from kids to seniors. Its crispy texture, tangy-sweet sauce, and sharable portions make it a staple at family dinners, office gatherings, and celebrations.

7. Tangsuyuk as a Cultural Symbol

Tangsuyuk in Korea is not just a dish; it's a shared experience and a fun cultural debate. The “pour vs. dip” argument has become a quirky part of Korean food culture, highlighting how deeply this dish is embedded in everyday life and how much people care about how it’s eaten.

8. Conclusion

Tangsuyuk is a dish whose name itself describes its flavor and cooking style. ‘Tangsu’ (sweet and sour) expresses the sauce's taste, while ‘yuk’ (meat) points to the protein’s crispy, savory base. Although it originated in China, today's Tangsuyuk is a distinctly Korean creation, solidifying its place as a proud part of Korea’s culinary identity.