Spicy and Sweet Pork Stir-fry (Jeyuk Bokkeum) – Foolproof Recipe
The Ultimate Spicy and Sweet Pork Stir-fry (Jeyuk Bokkeum) to Enjoy at Home
Easily and quickly make this beloved spicy and sweet pork stir-fry at home. It’s perfect for special occasions or to enrich your everyday dinner table. This simple yet incredibly delicious recipe is sure to have everyone asking for seconds and a bowl of rice!
Main Ingredients- Pork (neck or shoulder cut) 400g, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Onion 1/2, thinly sliced
- Green onion 1 stalk, diagonally sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Spicy and Sweet Sauce- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 2 Tbsp
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 2 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Black pepper 0.2 tsp (a pinch)
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 2 Tbsp
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 2 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Black pepper 0.2 tsp (a pinch)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the fresh green onions thoroughly and slice them diagonally as you prefer. Peel the onion, rinse it under running water, and then thinly slice it into strips. Place these prepared vegetables together in a large bowl. Having the vegetables prepped beforehand makes the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
Gently pat the pork with paper towels to remove excess blood. Then, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Avoid cutting them too small, as they might shrink during cooking. Add the cut pork to the bowl with the vegetables.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to make the key sauce for this delicious pork stir-fry. Start by adding 2 tablespoons of gochujang, the foundation of Korean spicy flavor, generously into the bowl. Follow with 2 tablespoons of gochugaru to add a vibrant spicy kick.
Step 4
Carefully pour in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for that savory umami depth. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use soup soy sauce, but be mindful of the color intensity and adjust the amount accordingly.
Step 5
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to enhance the overall aroma and flavor of the dish. If you enjoy a stronger garlic presence, feel free to add a little more. Using fresh minced garlic will make it even more delicious.
Step 6
Next, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for its nutty and subtle fragrance. Finally, add about 0.2 teaspoons of black pepper, just a pinch, to eliminate any porky odors and add a final layer of flavor. Sprinkle it as if you’re lightly pinching it between your fingers.
Step 7
Add the 2 tablespoons of gochujang that we measured earlier. This is a crucial ingredient that defines the spicy taste of the jeyuk bokkeum. You can adjust the amount of gochujang to control the level of spiciness according to your preference.
Step 8
To balance the spiciness with a touch of sweetness, add 2 tablespoons of sugar. Using corn syrup or oligodang instead of sugar can give the stir-fry a beautiful sheen, making it look even more appetizing. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Step 9
Lastly, sprinkle about 0.2 teaspoons of black pepper. Pepper helps to neutralize any unwanted odors from the pork and adds a subtle aromatic quality. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the dish too spicy.
Step 10
All the sauce ingredients are now ready. Pour the prepared sauce over the pork and vegetables in the bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything together, ensuring the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly. Wearing gloves is recommended for hygiene. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 11
Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add all the marinated pork and vegetable mixture to the hot pan and stir-fry quickly over high heat. Keep stirring with a spatula to prevent the meat from sticking together. Stir-frying over high heat for a short time helps to lock in the juices, keeping the pork tender and moist.
Step 12
Check to ensure the pork is fully cooked and the sauce has slightly reduced. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with a little salt or soy sauce. Once everything is cooked through and delicious, turn off the heat. Serve the stir-fry attractively on a plate. Finally, a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and a beautiful finish. Enjoy this amazing dish with a bowl of warm rice!
