Tender Pork and Potato Braise: A Savory Side Dish
Master the Art of Korean Home Cooking: Tender Pork Loin and Potato Braise Recipe
A heartwarming and satisfying side dish for any meal, this braised pork loin and potato recipe offers a deeply flavorful and comforting experience. The tender pork loin, soft potatoes, and savory-sweet soy sauce glaze combine to create a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Simple to make, it adds a touch of elegance and deliciousness to your table.
Main Ingredients- 300g Pork Loin
- 2-3 Potatoes (medium-sized)
- 1/3 Carrot
- 1/2 Onion
- 1 Green Chili Pepper (Cheongyang chili recommended)
Braising Sauce Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp Rice Wine (Mirin or cooking wine)
- 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- A little Cooking Oil
- A little Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 450-500ml Water infused with Dried Kelp (Dashima)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp Rice Wine (Mirin or cooking wine)
- 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- A little Cooking Oil
- A little Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 450-500ml Water infused with Dried Kelp (Dashima)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Soak the 300g of pork loin in cold water for about 20 minutes to remove any blood. This step helps to reduce any gamey odors and ensures a cleaner taste.
Step 2
After soaking, pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces (about 3-4 cm). Place the cut pork in a bowl, sprinkle with 1 Tbsp of Cheongju and a pinch of black pepper. Gently massage the seasonings into the meat and let it marinate for about 10 minutes. This marination is key to tenderizing the pork and eliminating unwanted smells.
Step 3
Peel the 1/3 carrot and the 2-3 potatoes (use 3 if small, 2 if large). Cut them into roughly 2cm chunks. Cutting them too small might cause them to break apart during braising.
Step 4
Slice the 1/2 onion into similar-sized pieces as the potatoes. Finely chop the green chili pepper. Adjust the amount of chili pepper to your spice preference.
Step 5
Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for about 5 minutes to rinse off excess starch. Then, rinse them under running water until the water runs clear. Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander. Removing the starch prevents the braising liquid from becoming cloudy.
Step 6
In a separate bowl, combine 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp rice wine, 1 Tbsp brown sugar, and 1 Tbsp minced garlic. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved and no gritty texture remains. This mixture forms your flavorful braising sauce.
Step 7
Heat a little cooking oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork loin and stir-fry until the exterior is lightly browned. Searing the pork quickly over high heat helps to seal in the juices, keeping it tender.
Step 8
Once the pork is browned, add the cut potatoes and carrots to the pot. Stir-fry them with the pork for about 2 minutes. This helps the vegetables absorb some of the pork’s flavor and lightly coats them in oil.
Step 9
Pour in about 450-500ml of kelp-infused water (steep a 5x5cm piece of dried kelp in 500ml of water for 10 minutes). Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the sliced onion.
Step 10
Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are partially tender.
Step 11
After about 10 minutes, lift the lid to check the potatoes. Pour in the prepared braising sauce and gently stir to distribute it evenly among the ingredients.
Step 12
Cover the pot again and reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue to simmer for another 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The goal is to let the sauce reduce and the flavors to meld until the liquid is slightly thickened, rather than sticking to a precise time.
Step 13
Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, stir in the chopped green chili pepper and cook for about 1 more minute to infuse its flavor. The chili adds a pleasant hint of spice that balances the richness.
Step 14
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds generously over the top as a garnish. The sesame seeds add a nutty aroma and visual appeal.
Step 15
Serve hot with steamed rice. Enjoy your delicious and tender braised pork loin and potatoes!
