Savory Stir-Fried Pork Belly and Kimchi
The Ultimate Way to Use Leftover Pork Belly! Golden Ratio Pork Belly and Kimchi Stir-Fry Recipe
Don’t you hate wasting leftover pork belly after a home barbecue? This dish is a fantastic combination of deeply fermented kimchi and savory pork belly! Here’s a simple yet impressive recipe for pork belly and kimchi stir-fry that makes a wonderful side dish for rice or a great snack with drinks. It’s so easy to follow, even beginners can make it without fail!
Main Ingredients- 3 strips pork belly (approx. 150-200g)
- 2 handfuls well-fermented napa cabbage kimchi (including juice, approx. 200g)
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the main ingredients for your pork belly and kimchi stir-fry: the pork belly and kimchi. Cut the kimchi into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 cm wide) for a pleasant texture when stir-fried. Don’t discard the kimchi juice; it adds a deeper flavor.
Step 2
Heat a pan over medium heat, then lay the prepared pork belly strips evenly in the pan. Sprinkle a pinch of black pepper over the pork belly to help eliminate any gamey odors and enhance its flavor.
Step 3
Sear the pork belly on both sides until golden brown. The key is to cook it only halfway through, rendering out plenty of the fat. Be cautious, as pork belly fat can splatter significantly! Consider using a splatter guard or managing the heat carefully for safety.
Step 4
Once the pork belly is about half-cooked, gently wipe away any excess oil from the pan with a paper towel. Then, cut the pork belly into bite-sized pieces (about 2 cm long). Slicing it beforehand makes it easier to cook evenly when you stir-fry it with the kimchi later.
Step 5
In the same pan used for cooking the pork belly, add the sliced kimchi. Reduce the heat to low and stir-fry the kimchi, utilizing the remaining pork belly fat. This process infuses the kimchi with delicious flavors.
Step 6
I’m adding some leftover vegetables from my fridge. Adding thinly sliced onions, bell peppers, or green onions can enhance the dish’s color and add a nice crunch. However, this step is optional, so don’t worry if you don’t have them!
Step 7
Stir the kimchi occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Stir-fry over low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the kimchi becomes tender and its sharp sourness mellows into a pleasant sweetness. This is the crucial step for developing the flavor.
Step 8
When the kimchi is thoroughly softened and cooked, add the previously cooked pork belly back into the pan. Mix well with the kimchi and stir-fry together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the pork belly to absorb the kimchi flavors. Your delicious pork belly and kimchi stir-fry is now ready.
Step 9
Transfer the perfectly cooked pork belly and kimchi stir-fry to a serving plate. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty aroma. Serve it over warm rice for a hearty meal or enjoy it with a cold beer!
