Steamed Pumpkin with Savory Soy-Marinated Pork Belly
Autumn Delicacy! Delicious and Easy Soy-Marinated Pork Belly Stuffed Pumpkin Recipe
Hello everyone! After heavy rains, the mornings and evenings have become refreshingly cool, heralding the arrival of autumn. While cooking can be challenging during hot summers, the cooler weather makes me want to prepare more thoughtful meals for my family. Today, I’m sharing a special recipe for ‘Steamed Pumpkin with Soy-Marinated Pork Belly,’ a dish that’s both simple and impressive. It features sweet, seasonal pumpkin filled generously with savory and slightly sweet soy-marinated pork belly. Using ingredients you likely already have at home, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors, nutrition, and visual appeal. Experience the delightful harmony of sweet pumpkin and flavorful pork belly!
Savory Soy-Marinated Pork Belly Ingredients- 600g Pork Neck (Moksal)
- 2 Onions
- 1/4 Carrot (or as needed)
- 2 Green Onions
Steamed Pumpkin Ingredients- 1 medium Pumpkin
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (or as needed)
Soy Marinade (for Pork Belly)- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Plum Extract (Maesil Cheong)
- 3 Tbsp Corn Syrup (Oligodang)
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin)
- 1/2 Tbsp Ginger Juice (or a little minced ginger)
- 1 medium Pumpkin
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (or as needed)
Soy Marinade (for Pork Belly)- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Plum Extract (Maesil Cheong)
- 3 Tbsp Corn Syrup (Oligodang)
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin)
- 1/2 Tbsp Ginger Juice (or a little minced ginger)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s make the soy marinade and marinate the pork. In a bowl, combine 4 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp cooking wine, 2 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp plum extract, 3 Tbsp corn syrup, and 1/2 Tbsp ginger juice. Mix well. Add 600g of pork neck, toss to coat evenly with the marinade, then add 2 sliced onions, 1/4 chopped carrot, and 2 chopped green onions. Mix everything together and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for a deeper flavor.
Step 2
To make handling the pumpkin easier, wash it thoroughly and microwave it for about 3 minutes. This slightly softens the skin, making it easier to cut. Carefully slice off the top portion of the pumpkin like a lid, then use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy insides. Set the carved-out pumpkin aside for later.
Step 3
Now, heat a pan over medium heat and stir-fry the marinated pork belly mixture. Cook until the pork is fully cooked through and the vegetables are tender, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll start to smell the delicious aroma of the stir-fried pork.
Step 4
Next, generously stuff the hollowed-out pumpkin with the cooked soy-marinated pork belly. Filling it completely will ensure a satisfying texture and a fuller flavor in every bite.
Step 5
Place the stuffed pumpkin in a microwave-safe dish or a steamer. If using a microwave with a steam function, set it for 10-15 minutes. For a standard microwave, start by heating on ‘High’ for 5-7 minutes, then cover with the pumpkin lid and steam for another 10-15 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave’s power, so check for tenderness periodically.
Step 6
When the pumpkin is almost tender, generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top. The melting cheese will add a wonderful creamy texture and a golden, inviting appearance. Once the cheese is added, place the pumpkin lid back on and microwave for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the cheese is perfectly melted.
Step 7
Carefully remove the steamed pumpkin from the microwave. Lift the lid to reveal the beautifully melted cheese and the delicious filling within. Doesn’t it look absolutely mouthwatering?
Step 8
Transfer the finished Steamed Pumpkin with Soy-Marinated Pork Belly to a serving plate. You can make a few shallow scores on the surface for easier eating and a more appealing presentation, resembling a blooming flower. The combination of sweet pumpkin and savory pork creates a truly stunning dish.
Step 9
And there you have it – your impressive ‘Steamed Pumpkin with Soy-Marinated Pork Belly’! Serve it warm with rice for a delightful meal that your whole family will love. This is a perfect dish for special occasions or when you want to impress guests.
