Tender and Flavorful Pork Shoulder Boiled Pork (Suyuk)
The Ultimate Guide to Boiling Pork Shoulder for Delicious Suyuk: Cooking Method, Time, and Ingredients
Today, I’m sharing a recipe for perfectly boiled pork shoulder (suyuk) that you can easily make at home. Even with minimal ingredients, I’ll show you how to bring out the natural flavors of the pork, resulting in a tender and juicy dish. It’s a wonderful meal when paired with fresh kimchi or a crisp side salad.
Boiling Pork Ingredients- Pork shoulder 3kg
- Water 2.5L (enough to cover the meat)
- 1 Tbsp coarse salt
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp minced ginger (or 1 Tbsp ginger syrup)
- 1/2 cup soju (Korean rice wine)
- 3 bay leaves
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the 3kg pork shoulder under cool running water to remove any surface impurities.
Step 2
To ensure even cooking and flavor penetration, make shallow scores across the meat with a knife, about 2-3 cm apart. Focus more scoring on the thicker parts for best results.
Step 3
In a large pot, add enough water (about 2.5L) to fully submerge the pork. Add 1 Tbsp coarse salt, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp minced ginger (or ginger syrup), and 3 bay leaves. These aromatics will effectively eliminate any porky odor. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
Step 4
Once the water is boiling vigorously, carefully place the scored pork shoulder into the pot. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to medium, and boil for approximately 30 minutes. This initial 30 minutes helps to sear the exterior and lock in the juices.
Step 5
After 30 minutes, lift the lid and pour in 1/2 cup of soju around the meat. The soju evaporates, helping to remove any lingering odors. Once the liquid returns to a boil, cover again, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for another 25 minutes. This simmering period will tenderize the meat beautifully.
Step 6
Finally, turn off the heat, keep the lid on, and let the pork rest (steam) for 15 minutes. This resting period allows the heat to distribute evenly throughout the meat, resulting in an even more moist and tender suyuk.
Step 7
Remove the perfectly boiled pork from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool slightly, then slice it into bite-sized pieces, about 1cm thick. Serve the warm suyuk with your favorite kimchi, fresh side dishes, or dipping sauce. You’ll enjoy a clean-tasting, delicious pork shoulder suyuk with no gamey odor.
Step 8
Try making this recipe for delicious pork shoulder suyuk without any worries about odors, and enjoy it with your family! It’s also an excellent dish for entertaining guests.
