Rich and Spicy Zucchini Pork Stew (Gwangju Style)
Flavorful Zucchini and Pork Stew
This is a Gwangju-inspired zucchini and pork stew, brimming with deep, savory flavors. The tender pork and sweet zucchini meld beautifully, creating a dish so addictive it will have you finishing your rice in no time. Perfect for a special home-cooked meal or a satisfying everyday dish, bring warmth to your table with this delightful stew.
Main Stew Ingredients
- Pork (neck or belly) 400g
- Zucchini 1 (medium size)
- Onion 1/2
- Carrot 1/4
- Korean green chili peppers 2
- Green onion 1 stalk
- Dried anchovies 4 (optional, for enhanced umami)
- Water 800g (approx. 4 cups)
- Soup stock cube 1 (or 1 cup kelp broth)
Pork Marinade & Seasoning
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Black pepper to taste (approx. 1/2 tsp)
- Cooking wine (Mirin) 2 Tbsp
- Red pepper flakes 3 Tbsp
- Salted shrimp 1 Tbsp (minced)
- Soy sauce for soup 1 Tbsp
- Fish sauce (anchovy or tuna) 1 Tbsp
- Cooking oil (for sautéing)
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Black pepper to taste (approx. 1/2 tsp)
- Cooking wine (Mirin) 2 Tbsp
- Red pepper flakes 3 Tbsp
- Salted shrimp 1 Tbsp (minced)
- Soy sauce for soup 1 Tbsp
- Fish sauce (anchovy or tuna) 1 Tbsp
- Cooking oil (for sautéing)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Marinate the Pork: In a bowl, combine the 400g of pork with 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 Tbsp cooking wine (Mirin). Mix well and let it marinate for 10 minutes. This step helps tenderize the pork and remove any gamey odors, significantly improving the stew’s flavor.
Step 2
Infuse with Green Onion Aroma: Heat a little cooking oil in a pot over medium-low heat. Add the chopped green onion and sauté gently until fragrant and its oils are released. Slowly sautéing the green onion will deepen the stew’s overall flavor profile.
Step 3
Sauté Pork and Season: Once the green onion is fragrant, add the marinated pork to the pot and stir-fry over high heat. Cook until the pork is lightly browned and most of the pinkness has disappeared. Then, add 3 Tbsp of red pepper flakes and stir-fry quickly to prevent burning. Stir-frying the chili flakes enhances the color and adds a richer taste.
Step 4
Add Vegetables and Sauces: Add the prepared onion and carrot to the pot and sauté for about 1 minute. Stir in 1 Tbsp fish sauce and 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup, and sauté for a little longer. These sauces will add umami and meld the flavors of the vegetables and pork.
Step 5
Simmer the Stew: Pour in 800g (about 4 cups) of water and add the soup stock cube. (If using dried anchovies, add them now.) Add the minced salted shrimp and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. It’s crucial to simmer long enough for the pork to become tender and for all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 6
Finishing Touches: About 5 minutes before the stew is fully cooked, add the prepared zucchini and Korean green chili peppers. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes. Adding them near the end prevents the zucchini from becoming too mushy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Your delicious Zucchini Pork Stew is ready! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice.