Savory Zucchini and Pork Belly Stir-fry: A Delicious Side Dish Recipe
How to Make Zucchini Side Dish with Pork Belly / Braised Zucchini and Pork Belly
A flavorful braised dish made with zucchini and pork belly. Watch from 07:56 for the cooking process! This dish offers a delightful combination of tender pork and soft, slightly chewy zucchini, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Main Ingredients
- 1 Zucchini
- 150g Pork belly (or pork shoulder)
- 1 Green onion (scallion)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the zucchini thoroughly and cut it into four equal parts. Cutting them into manageable pieces will help the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 2
Using a spoon, gently scrape out and remove the seeds from the center of each quartered zucchini. This step ensures a better texture and prevents the zucchini from becoming too mushy during cooking.
Step 3
Dice the deseeded zucchini into approximately 1cm cubes. This size is perfect for absorbing the sauce and providing a satisfying bite.
Step 4
Cut the pork belly into similar 1cm cubes, matching the size of the zucchini. Using pork belly or pork shoulder will add richness and depth to the dish.
Step 5
Now, let’s marinate the pork. In a bowl, combine the cubed pork with 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 3 Tbsp mirin, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp sugar, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix everything well with your hands, ensuring each piece of pork is coated. Let it marinate for about 5 minutes.
Step 6
Wash the green onion and slice it diagonally at an angle, about 1cm thick. This will add a fresh aroma and a hint of flavor towards the end of cooking.
Step 7
Heat 1 Tbsp of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and stir-fry until the surface turns opaque, about 50% cooked. Stir-frying on high heat helps to seal in the juices.
Step 8
Once the pork is about half cooked, add the diced zucchini to the pan. Continue to stir-fry together with the pork until the zucchini starts to turn slightly translucent.
Step 9
Pour in 200ml of water to create the braising liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it simmer.
Step 10
When the liquid has reduced by about half, add 1 Tbsp of gochujang (Korean chili paste). Stir well to dissolve it into the sauce. The gochujang will add a spicy kick and a deep, savory flavor.
Step 11
Continue to simmer over medium-low heat, uncovered, until the zucchini is tender when pierced with a fork and the sauce has reached your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 12
Finally, add the diagonally sliced green onion, 1 Tbsp of sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds. Stir gently to combine everything. Your delicious braised zucchini and pork belly is ready to be served! Enjoy with a bowl of warm rice.
