Aged Jeyuk Bokkeum (Spicy Stir-fried Pork)
Pyeonstaurant Ryu Joo-bu’s Recipe: Enhanced Flavor with 2 Days of Marination
I tried Pyeonstaurant’s Ryu Joo-bu’s Jeyuk Bokkeum recipe. I found that marinating it in the refrigerator for about 2 days before stir-frying made it even more delicious and deeply flavorful. This is how I’ll be making Jeyuk Bokkeum from now on.
Main Ingredients- 600g Pork Shoulder (thinly sliced recommended)
- 1 Onion
- 2 Green Onions (Scallions)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 600g of pork shoulder, the star ingredient for Jeyuk Bokkeum. Buying it thinly sliced from the butcher will make cooking much easier.
Step 2
Cut the purchased pork into bite-sized pieces or your desired size. After slicing, don’t forget to pat the meat dry with paper towels to remove excess blood. This step is crucial for a clean, non-gamey flavor.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the key to delicious Jeyuk Bokkeum: the marinade. In a large, sealable container, add 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 3 Tbsp gochujang, and 2 Tbsp sugar. Then, pour in 2 packs of pear juice to add a deep sweetness and fruity aroma. Secure the lid tightly and shake the container vigorously until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 4
Shaking the container thoroughly mixes all the seasonings into a smooth, homogeneous marinade. You don’t need to stir manually, making the process conveniently simple.
Step 5
The broadcast recommended using pear juice. If you don’t have pear juice, you can use a similar pear drink. If you are using pear juice, approximately one 238ml can of ‘Galai Mandeun Bae’ (a popular Korean pear drink) would work well.
Step 6
Add 2 Tbsp of minced garlic to the marinade. The pungent aroma of garlic will meld with the other seasonings, creating an even more delicious Jeyuk Bokkeum.
Step 7
Place the drained pork into the prepared marinade and mix well, ensuring each piece is coated. Now, add 2 Tbsp of vinegar. Vinegar helps tenderize the meat, enhances its umami flavor, and can extend its shelf life. Finally, add 1 Tbsp of sesame oil for a nutty fragrance, completing the marinade.
Step 8
Slice 1 onion thinly and cut 2 green onions diagonally. Arrange the sliced onion and green onions attractively over the marinated pork. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the vegetables. Cover the container and refrigerate for marination. It’s best to marinate the vegetables on top like this, rather than mixing them in from the start, to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Step 9
After marinating in the refrigerator for about 2 days, the pork will be beautifully infused with flavor. The difference in taste between stir-frying immediately versus after 2 days of marination is truly remarkable. I highly recommend marinating for at least 2 days before cooking! (Note: While it’s delicious even after just 30 minutes of marination, the flavor after 2 days is significantly more refined and complex).
Step 10
The broadcast suggested stir-frying only the meat, but I prefer to add the vegetables and all the accumulated juices directly into the pan with the meat. This method ensures the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a moister and more delicious dish.
Step 11
Add all the ingredients to a pan and bring to a boil over high heat. Once it’s bubbling vigorously, cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for about 3 minutes. This simmering process concentrates the flavors and helps the sauce adhere perfectly to the meat.
Step 12
Finally, add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic and sprinkle with black pepper. Your delicious Jeyuk Bokkeum is ready! Don’t forget to mix the leftover sauce with rice – it’s incredibly tasty.
Step 13
The Jeyuk Bokkeum, enhanced by the marination process, is truly amazing. Even when I tried it after only 30 minutes of marination, it was good, but after 2 days, the depth and sophisticated flavor were astonishing. It felt like tasting a special meat dish from a high-end restaurant. I strongly recommend everyone try marinating it for 2 days before cooking!
Step 14
Enjoy a generous bite of the well-cooked Jeyuk Bokkeum wrapped in a perilla leaf with fresh garlic and chili peppers. The rich flavor of this Jeyuk Bokkeum offers a culinary experience far beyond the ordinary.
Step 15
This delightful Jeyuk Bokkeum pairs perfectly with a cold glass of beer, creating a fantastic harmony. The crispness of the beer complements the deep flavors of the pork wonderfully. The Jeyuk Bokkeum is not overly spicy or heavily seasoned, making it very enjoyable. The tender pork, evenly coated with the savory sauce, offers a complex blend of umami, nuttiness, and a sophisticated richness.
Step 16
Placing a piece of this mouthwatering Jeyuk Bokkeum on top of a bowl of warm rice creates a taste that makes you feel like you have everything in the world. It’s a unique flavor you won’t find anywhere else. Jeyuk Bokkeum is, in essence, love and self-care served on a plate.
