Incredibly Tender and Delicious Stir-fried Pork (Jeyuk Bokkeum)
Master the Art of Jeyuk Bokkeum: A Recipe for Ultra-Tender and Flavorful Stir-fried Pork
Hello everyone! I whipped up some Jeyuk Bokkeum when someone mentioned craving it. It turns out the price of pork and lettuce are nearly the same these days, quite surprising! Haha. But today, I’m sharing a secret to making it extra tender and delicious right at home.
Main Ingredients- 800g Pork Shoulder or Loin (Choose a cut with a good balance of meat and fat for tenderness)
- 1/2 Onion (thinly sliced)
- 5 slices Carrot (thinly sliced or julienned)
- 1 bunch Scallions (cut into large pieces)
Spicy & Sweet Marinade- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Oligodang (corn syrup) or other liquid sweetener
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Wine (like Mirin)
- 2 Tbsp Cheongju (rice wine) or Soju
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Oligodang (corn syrup) or other liquid sweetener
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Wine (like Mirin)
- 2 Tbsp Cheongju (rice wine) or Soju
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The first secret to making Jeyuk Bokkeum incredibly tender is to start by marinating the pork with ingredients that add sweetness and help tenderize the meat. Add 2 Tbsp of Oligodang (or your preferred liquid sweetener) and 2 Tbsp of Cooking Wine to the pork. Gently massage these ingredients into the meat with your hands, ensuring it’s well coated.
Step 2
This initial marination with a touch of sweetness and alcohol aids in tenderizing the meat through a process similar to aging or resting. It helps to enhance the natural flavor of the pork while ensuring a wonderfully tender bite every time.
Step 3
If time permits, allowing the pork to marinate in the refrigerator for about 1 hour at this stage will yield even better results. Even if you’re short on time, letting it sit for a brief period is beneficial. While the pork marinates, prepare the remaining marinade ingredients: 2 Tbsp of minced garlic and 2 Tbsp of soy sauce.
Step 4
Next, add 2 Tbsp of Gochujang for that signature spicy kick and 3 Tbsp of Gochugaru for depth of flavor and color. Feel free to adjust the amount of Gochugaru based on how spicy you like your Jeyuk Bokkeum.
Step 5
Add 1/2 Tbsp of sesame oil for a nutty aroma, a pinch of black pepper for a little warmth, and finally, 2 Tbsp of Cheongju (or Soju) to help eliminate any porky odors and add a subtle layer of flavor.
Step 6
Combine all the prepared marinade ingredients with the pork. Mix everything thoroughly using your hands, ensuring every piece of pork is evenly coated with the flavorful marinade. Massage it gently for best results.
Step 7
While you can cook the pork immediately after marinating, for an even richer flavor, consider refrigerating it for another 30 minutes to 1 hour. However, if you’re in a hurry, proceed to prepare your vegetables. A key tip for this recipe is to stir-fry the vegetables separately to maintain their optimal texture. First, thinly slice the onion and carrot, which will be stir-fried with the pork.
Step 8
Heat a pan over medium heat and add only the marinated pork. Stir-fry the pork, cooking it through. If you’re concerned about sticking, you can add a very small amount of water (1-2 Tbsp) to help the cooking process. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 9
Once the pork is about 70-80% cooked, add the sliced onion and carrots to the pan. Continue to stir-fry until the vegetables are slightly softened but still have a pleasant bite. (Tip: Stir-frying vegetables and meat together after marinating can lead to overcooked, mushy vegetables if you cook the meat thoroughly, or tough meat if you cook the vegetables just right. Cooking them separately allows each ingredient to reach its perfect texture.)
Step 10
When both the pork and vegetables are well-cooked and have a desirable texture, add the large-cut scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Stir-fry briefly for another minute until the scallions are fragrant and slightly wilted. This completes your delicious Jeyuk Bokkeum! Turning off the heat and letting the residual heat slightly cook the scallions will preserve their fresh aroma.
