Spicy and Sweet Pork Belly and Bean Sprout Stir-Fry
Super Easy, Rice-Thief Recipe: Spicy and Sweet Pork Belly and Bean Sprout Stir-Fry
I was craving some flavorful pork belly stir-fry, so I decided to make it with plenty of bean sprouts! The amazing combination of crunchy bean sprouts and savory pork belly, coated in a spicy and sweet sauce, is an addictive dish that will make you finish a bowl of rice in no time. It’s perfect for a simple yet hearty meal or as a delicious snack!
Main Ingredients- 500g thinly sliced pork belly
- 3 handfuls of bean sprouts (approx. 300g)
- A drizzle of sesame oil
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds
Spicy and Sweet Sauce- 4 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the delicious sauce. In a bowl, combine 4 Tbsp soy sauce, 3 Tbsp gochujang, 3 Tbsp gochugaru, 3 Tbsp sugar, and 1 Tbsp minced garlic. Stir thoroughly with a spoon until the sugar granules are dissolved. Properly mixing the sauce ensures an even flavor distribution when stir-fried.
Step 2
Next, prepare the bean sprouts. We’re using about 3 handfuls, but if you love bean sprouts, feel free to add a bit more! Rinse the bean sprouts thoroughly under running water and then drain them well in a colander. Excess water can make the stir-fry soggy.
Step 3
Get a wide pan ready. Spread the prepared bean sprouts evenly across the bottom of the pan. Layering the bean sprouts first helps prevent the pork belly from burning and allows them to steam in their own moisture.
Step 4
Arrange the 500g of thinly sliced pork belly over the bean sprouts, making sure not to overlap them too much. Since the pork belly is sliced so thinly, it will cook quickly, so don’t worry!
Step 5
Now, spoon the prepared spicy and sweet sauce evenly over the pork belly and bean sprouts. Distribute it in several spots rather than pouring it all in one place; this allows the sauce to spread naturally as it cooks.
Step 6
Cover the pan with a lid and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Cooking with the lid on traps the moisture from the bean sprouts and the juices from the pork belly, ensuring a tender and moist result. After about 5 minutes, you’ll notice that the bean sprouts and pork belly have softened when you lift the lid.
Step 7
Once the lid is off, it’s time to stir-fry. Use chopsticks or tongs to gently mix the bean sprouts and pork belly, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sauce. Be careful not to stir too vigorously or for too long, as this can cause the bean sprouts to break apart.
Step 8
Continue to stir-fry gently, mixing occasionally, until the bean sprouts are cooked through but still slightly crisp, and the sauce has evenly coated everything. The dish is almost done when the bean sprouts are tender. Turn off the heat once they reach your desired doneness. Overcooking can make the bean sprouts lose their crispness, so cooking them to the right point is key.
Step 9
Finally, turn off the heat and drizzle a bit of sesame oil around the edges of the pan to add an aromatic finish. The nutty aroma of sesame oil will further enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Step 10
Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds, if desired, and your delicious Spicy and Sweet Pork Belly and Bean Sprout Stir-Fry is complete! It’s wonderful served over hot rice as a rice bowl, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a refreshing bite. Enjoy your meal!
