Stir-fried Pork Belly with Shiitake Mushrooms and Colorful Peppers
Make a Delicious Dinner Side Dish: Stir-fried Pork Belly with Shiitake and Peppers
Got some leftover pork belly? Try stir-frying it with savory shiitake mushrooms! This simple yet flavorful dish will make the mushrooms shine, often tasting even better than the pork belly itself. It’s a fantastic way to use up small cuts of pork belly and create a truly satisfying side dish that will impress everyone at your dinner table.
Ingredients- Pork belly 300g (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Shiitake mushrooms 5 pcs (fresh or rehydrated dried)
- Bell peppers or chili peppers 2 pcs (e.g., mix of colors for visual appeal, or spicy chilies)
- Onion 1/2 pc (medium size)
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Cooking oil 3 Tbsp
- Oyster sauce 2 Tbsp
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, slice the 300g of pork belly into thin, bite-sized pieces. Thin slices cook more evenly and quickly. Aim for a good balance of meat and fat for the best flavor.
Step 2
Prepare the shiitake mushrooms. If using fresh, remove the tough stems and slice them thinly. If using dried shiitake, rehydrate them in warm water until softened, then slice. The mushrooms will add a wonderful earthy aroma and meaty texture to the dish.
Step 3
Wash the peppers and remove the seeds. Slice them into long, thin strips. You can use a mix of bell peppers for color and sweetness, or include a spicy chili like a Korean ‘cheongyang’ pepper for a kick. The choice of pepper can significantly alter the flavor profile.
Step 4
Peel and thinly slice the half onion into strips. The onion will become sweet and tender as it cooks, adding another layer of flavor to the stir-fry.
Step 5
Heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, creating a garlic-infused oil. This step builds a foundational layer of aromatic flavor for the entire dish.
Step 6
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the sliced pork belly and onion strips to the pan. Stir-fry until the pork belly is browned and cooked through, and the onions have softened and become translucent. Cooking the pork belly first renders its fat and adds richness.
Step 7
When the pork belly is nicely browned, add the sliced shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry them gently for a minute or two until they just begin to soften. Be careful not to overcook the mushrooms, as they can become tough.
Step 8
As the mushrooms start to release their moisture, add 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce. This sauce will add a savory umami depth and a beautiful glossy sheen to the ingredients.
Step 9
Now, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to season the dish. Stir everything together well to ensure the sauces are evenly distributed and coat all the ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 10
Finally, add the sliced peppers to the pan. Stir-fry for just about 30 seconds to a minute, allowing them to become slightly tender but still retain a pleasant crispness. We want to preserve their fresh flavor and texture.
Step 11
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a final touch of nutty aroma and visual appeal. Give it one last gentle toss, and your delicious Pork Belly and Shiitake Mushroom Stir-fry is ready to be served!
Step 12
Enjoy your flavorful Pork Belly, Shiitake Mushroom, and Pepper Stir-fry! This dish is wonderful served over steamed rice. For an extra special treat, try serving it inside steamed ‘flower buns’ (꽃빵 – kkotppang) for a delightful and satisfying meal. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a home-cooked feast!
