Tender Boiled Pork Belly with Cola
The Ultimate Boiled Pork Belly Recipe: Cooked with Cola for Unbelievable Tenderness!
This is an incredibly delicious boiled pork belly recipe, inspired by a recommendation from a convenience store owner and the YouTube channel ‘Chef Kim Dae-seok TV’! Using just cola and a few simple ingredients, I achieved a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a wonderfully savory flavor without any gamey smell. It’s perfect for special occasions or a delightful home-cooked meal!
Main Ingredients
- Pork Belly 600g
- Cola 500ml
- Soju 1 bottle (360ml)
- Onion 1 (cut into large quarters)
- Green Onion 1 stalk (cut into large pieces)
- Bay Leaves a few (2-3)
- Whole Peppercorns 30
- Whole Garlic Cloves 7
- Soy Sauce 1/2 cup (standard paper cup)
- Water 2 cups (standard paper cup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Place the 600g of pork belly into a deep pot. Choose a piece with a good balance of fat and lean meat for the most delicious result.
Step 2
To eliminate any unwanted odors, add the quartered onion and the large pieces of green onion to the pot. Add the 7 whole garlic cloves for extra flavor.
Step 3
Pour in 1 bottle (360ml) of soju, which is excellent for removing porky smells, and 500ml of cola. The cola not only tenderizes the meat with its sugar but also adds a delightful sweetness and depth of flavor. Next, add 1/2 cup of soy sauce (measured with a standard paper cup) and 2 cups of water. Don’t forget to toss in 30 whole peppercorns for a subtle peppery kick, and 2-3 bay leaves to enhance the aromatic profile.
Step 4
Cover the pot with a lid and bring to a rolling boil over high heat for 5 minutes. This initial high heat helps to seal in the juices and allows the flavors to meld together.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to medium and continue to simmer for another 15 minutes. Then, carefully flip the pork belly and cook the other side for an additional 20 minutes. It’s a good idea to check on the meat periodically to ensure even cooking.
Step 6
Now for the steaming process. Finally, increase the heat to high for 5 minutes, then reduce to medium heat and let it simmer gently for a total of 35 minutes. After turning off the heat, leave the lid on and let it steam for 5 more minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in incredibly moist and tender boiled pork belly.
Step 7
Carefully remove the perfectly cooked pork belly from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then slice it into attractive, bite-sized pieces. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ssamjang or salted shrimp, and fresh lettuce wraps for an unforgettable culinary experience.
