Pork Shoulder Boiled Pork (Soo-yuk): Tender and Juicy without the Gamey Smell
Boiled Pork Perfection: A Foolproof Guide to Tender, Odor-Free Pork Shoulder
Worried about tough, gamey boiled pork? The key to tender, juicy pork shoulder (Soo-yuk) lies in precise heat control and cooking time. Follow this recipe to achieve succulent meat that’s incredibly soft, even in the lean parts. Don’t skip the heat and timing adjustments – they are crucial for delicious Soo-yuk!
Ingredients
- 1kg Pork Shoulder
- 10 whole Garlic cloves
- 1 Onion
- 1 stalk White part of Green Onion
- 1 Tbsp Instant Coffee granules
- 1 Tbsp Whole Peppercorns (optional)
- 1 Tbsp Doenjang (Fermented Soybean Paste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, it’s important to remove the blood from the pork shoulder. You can soak the meat in cold water for about 30 minutes, or if the meat is very fresh, simply pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Step 2
Now, prepare a large pot. Fill it about halfway with water. Ensure there’s enough water to fully submerge the pork.
Step 3
Add aromatics to the water. Toss in the white part of one green onion, one whole onion, and 10 whole garlic cloves. For the instant coffee, one packet (like Kanu) is perfect for adding depth and helping to neutralize odors.
Step 4
Whole peppercorns help to eliminate any gamey smell, but you don’t necessarily need to use the full tablespoon. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference or omit them if you like.
Step 5
Doenjang is a secret ingredient that not only removes any porky smell but also adds a wonderful savory depth. Add a generous tablespoon of doenjang.
Step 6
Place the pot over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil.
Step 7
Once the water is boiling vigorously, carefully add the pork shoulder. If the piece of meat is very large, you can cut it in half to ensure it fits well and cooks evenly.
Step 8
Ensuring the pork is fully submerged is key to achieving tender boiled pork. For the first 10 minutes, keep the lid off and boil over high heat to allow any strong odors to escape. > After 10 minutes, cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 25 minutes.
Step 9
After 25 minutes, flip the piece of pork. Re-cover the pot and continue to simmer over medium-low heat for another 20 minutes. This ensures the meat cooks evenly throughout.
Step 10
After a total of 45 minutes of simmering, test the pork by inserting a chopstick or skewer. If it slides in easily with no resistance, the pork is perfectly cooked. Turn off the heat, keep the lid on, and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more succulent.
Step 11
Once the boiled pork is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board. Let it cool slightly before slicing it into your desired thickness. Arrange the slices attractively on a serving plate.
Step 12
The result is incredibly tender and juicy pork shoulder, completely free of any gamey or porky odors.
Step 13
For an even more delightful experience, serve this delicious boiled pork with some rinsed aged kimchi (kimchi jjigae style) – the tangy flavor perfectly complements the rich pork! It’s truly delicious, so don’t miss out!!
