Pork Neck Kimchi Stir-fry: Spicy and Savory Main Dish, a Rice Thief!
The Ultimate Home-Cooked Meal! Pork Neck Kimchi Stir-fry Golden Recipe
Experience the fantastic harmony of chewy pork neck and crisp kimchi! I’m sharing the golden recipe for Pork Neck Kimchi Stir-fry, a Korean soul food. This dish, packed with rich seasoning and fresh vegetables, is the ultimate main side that will make you devour a bowl of rice in no time. It adds abundance not only to special occasions but also to ordinary dining tables. Let’s get started now!
Main Ingredients- 3 cuts of pork neck (approx. 300-400g)
- 1/2 head of well-fermented kimchi (approx. 300-400g)
- 1/2 onion
- 1/3 stalk of green onion
- A pinch of sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar (add if kimchi is too sour)
Seasoning Mix- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1.5 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup for shine and sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1.5 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup for shine and sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The start of any dish is preparing fresh ingredients! Prepare the pork neck whole or cut into bite-sized pieces. Well-fermented kimchi with a balanced sourness is best, and it’s good to have the same amount as the pork or slightly more kimchi for a balanced flavor. Also, prepare the onion for a crisp texture and the green onion for its fragrant aroma.
Step 2
Time for vegetable prep! Slice the onion into thick strips about 0.5cm wide. Cut the green onion diagonally into 5-6cm lengths. This way, they retain their texture when cooked and look appealing.
Step 3
Cut the kimchi into bite-sized pieces as well. If cut too small, it might break apart during cooking, so cutting it into about 3-4cm pieces is recommended.
Step 4
Let’s start stir-frying! If you have whole pork neck, place it in a heated pan and sear both sides until golden brown. This step sears the surface, preventing the juices from escaping and keeping the meat moist.
Step 5
When the pork is about 70% cooked, use scissors or a knife to cut it into bite-sized pieces. At this stage, add half a tablespoon of sugar and quickly stir-fry it with the meat. The sugar helps balance the sourness of the kimchi and adds a subtle sweetness to the pork.
Step 6
Now, add the chopped kimchi and stir-fry them together. Pork neck has less fat compared to pork belly, so stir-frying over high heat for too long can burn the seasoning. Therefore, reduce the heat to medium and stir-fry until the kimchi softens. If it feels too dry, you can add a little perilla oil or cooking oil.
Step 7
Once the kimchi is tender, add the thickly sliced onion and stir-fry until it slightly wilts. The onion’s sweetness will enhance the overall flavor.
Step 8
Time for the delicious seasoning! Don’t add all the prepared seasoning at once. Start with about half and mix well. Since the seasoning can vary depending on the amount of ingredients and the saltiness of the kimchi, it’s crucial to taste and add more seasoning gradually to achieve the perfect flavor. This way, you’ll make a delicious, not-too-salty stir-fry.
Step 9
Finally, add the sliced green onions and stir-fry for just about 1 minute to keep the vegetables fresh and fragrant. If you like it spicier, you can add thinly sliced chili peppers (green or red) for an extra kick.
Step 10
Turn off the heat, then drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil around the edges of the pan and mix evenly. Adding sesame oil at the end preserves its aroma.
Step 11
Generously sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished stir-fry for added nuttiness. Mixing them in creates an even more appetizing visual.
Step 12
Serve generously in a bowl for a hearty main dish – ‘Pork Neck Kimchi Stir-fry’ is complete! It offers a different charm compared to pork belly stir-fry, being less fatty and more tender and clean. With this delicious stir-fry alone, you won’t need other side dishes. Make this delicious stir-fry now and have a delightful mealtime with your whole family!
