Fiery Stir-Fried Pork (Jeyuk Bokkeum)
Baek Jong-won’s Jeyuk Bokkeum Recipe: Master the Smoky Flavor at Home!
Craving a hearty home-cooked meal while living alone, I decided to make Jeyuk Bokkeum, a savory stir-fried pork dish that pairs perfectly with a bowl of rice. This recipe will guide you to a delicious meal, even for beginners!
Main Ingredients- 300g Pork (neck or belly)
- 7-8 cloves whole garlic
- 3 Korean chili peppers (Cheongyang)
- 2 stalks green onions
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The first step in making Jeyuk Bokkeum is to render out the fat from the pork. Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add the pork. Let it cook slowly, allowing the fat to render out and the meat to become golden brown.
Step 2
While the pork is cooking, prepare the accompanying ingredients that will add flavor to the dish. Slice the whole garlic cloves thinly or lightly crush them with the side of a knife. Slice the Korean chili peppers and green onions diagonally.
Step 3
If your pan is small, it’s best to cook the pork in two batches to ensure even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the pan with the first batch.
Step 4
Once the pork is partially cooked, add the minced or sliced garlic to the pan and stir-fry it with the meat. Cook over medium-low heat until the garlic releases its aroma and infuses into the pork fat. (Tip: While some recipes suggest discarding some pork fat, keeping it can enhance the flavor.)
Step 5
When the garlic is lightly browned, return the previously cooked pork to the pan and continue stir-frying.
Step 6
Now it’s time to add sweetness. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar (about 15g) and gently stir it into the pork over medium-low heat until it coats the meat evenly.
Step 7
This next step is the secret to achieving that signature smoky ‘bul-mat’ flavor, a key element in Baek Jong-won’s Jeyuk Bokkeum! Pour the 3 tablespoons of soy sauce around the edges of the pan. Let it simmer and slightly caramelize over medium-low heat. The caramelization of the soy sauce creates a smoky aroma reminiscent of grilling over charcoal. (You can achieve this smoky flavor even with an induction cooktop!)
Step 8
Once the soy sauce has reduced and the smoky aroma is noticeable, mix it thoroughly with the pork and continue stir-frying. Ensure the soy sauce is evenly distributed among the meat.
Step 9
Add the prepared Korean chili peppers, green onions, and 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (red pepper flakes) to the pan. Stir-fry everything together. The crispness of the vegetables and the spiciness of the gochugaru will further enhance the flavor.
Step 10
To prevent the gochugaru from clumping and to ensure all ingredients are well-coated, gradually add 1/3 cup (approx. 60ml) of water while stir-frying. The sauce will thicken slightly as it simmers, making all the ingredients tender and moist.
Step 11
Finally, season with a little black pepper and a drizzle of sesame oil for extra fragrance. Crush some sesame seeds between your palms and sprinkle them over the dish for a finishing touch. Your delicious Jeyuk Bokkeum is now complete!
Step 12
Doesn’t it look incredibly appetizing? You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment knowing you can create such a flavorful, smoky Jeyuk Bokkeum right in your own kitchen, rivaling that of a professional eatery. Served over a bowl of hot rice, it transforms into a satisfying meal, just like the delicious Jeyuk Bokkeum you’d find at a beloved local diner. Now, it’s time to try making it yourself! Your culinary adventures will surely be enriched. Enjoy your meal!
