Spicy & Sweet Stir-Fried Deodeok with Pork Belly
The Perfect Harmony of Chewy Deodeok and Savory Pork Belly
A special stir-fry made with fresh deodeok (Korean root vegetable) from the market! We’re enhancing its flavor with savory thinly sliced pork belly. The unique aroma and texture of deodeok combined with the rich umami of pork belly will make your mealtime abundant. This is a simple yet impressive main dish.
Main Ingredients- Deodeok 200g
- Thinly sliced pork belly 100g
- 1/4 Onion (a little)
Seasoning Ingredients- Green onion 1/2 stalk
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 1 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 1 Tbsp
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 1 Tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Ginger syrup 1 Tbsp (or 1/2 tsp minced ginger)
- Cooking wine (Mirin) 1 Tbsp
- Sesame seeds, a pinch
- Green onion 1/2 stalk
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 1 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 1 Tbsp
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 1 Tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Ginger syrup 1 Tbsp (or 1/2 tsp minced ginger)
- Cooking wine (Mirin) 1 Tbsp
- Sesame seeds, a pinch
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the Deodeok: Wash the deodeok thoroughly and peel off the skin using a peeler. Wearing vinyl gloves will prevent the deodeok’s distinct aroma from transferring to your hands, making it convenient. Gently pat the peeled deodeok dry with paper towels.
Step 2
Shred the Deodeok: Tear the prepared deodeok into bite-sized pieces by hand. Shredding by hand, rather than cutting with a knife, helps preserve the deodeok’s aroma and improves its texture. Aim for roughly torn pieces.
Step 3
Marinate the Pork Belly: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced pork belly with 1 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, and 1 Tbsp soy sauce. Gently massage the marinade into the pork belly to ensure it’s evenly coated.
Step 4
Add Remaining Seasonings: To the marinated pork belly, add 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp ginger syrup, and 1 Tbsp cooking wine. Adjust the sugar amount if you prefer a sweeter taste. If you don’t have ginger syrup, a tiny amount of minced ginger or ginger powder can be used.
Step 5
Prepare Green Onion & Start Stir-Frying: Slice the green onion diagonally. Lightly oil a pan and add the marinated pork belly. Stir-fry over medium-high heat until the pork is about 80% cooked and has rendered some fat.
Step 6
Add Deodeok and Stir-Fry: When the pork belly is mostly cooked, add the shredded deodeok to the pan and stir-fry together. Avoid overcooking the deodeok, as it can become tough. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Step 7
Cook Deodeok and Pork: Stir-fry, ensuring the heat is adjusted to prevent burning the sauce. Continuously mix the deodeok and pork belly until well combined. Stirring vigorously, as if ‘shaking shake,’ helps the sauce adhere beautifully to the ingredients, enhancing the flavor.
Step 8
Add Vegetables & Finish: Add the roughly chopped onion and stir-fry with the other ingredients. If you have any leafy greens on hand (e.g., chives, bok choy), adding them will improve the color and flavor. Using more green onions is also a great option for extra flavor. Continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 9
Serve & Tip: Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds generously over the top. While deodeok on its own is delicious, the addition of savory pork belly significantly boosts its umami, creating a richer flavor experience. Enjoy this dish with warm rice for a satisfying meal.
