Jeyuk Bokkeum (Korean Spicy Pork Stir-Fry)

🧂 Ingredients

• 500 g Pork shoulder (or pork belly)(Slice thinly against the grain, about 1/8-inch thick. Pork belly can be used for a richer flavor.)
• 3 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)(The base of the spicy sauce. Adjust to your spice preference.)
• 1 tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)(Adds extra heat and color. Use coarse or fine, depending on preference.)
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce(For saltiness and umami.)
• 2 tbsp Mirin (or rice wine)(Adds a touch of sweetness and helps tenderize the pork.)
• 3 cloves Garlic(Minced.)
• 1 tsp Ginger(Minced or grated.)
• 1 tsp Sugar (or honey)(Balances the spice and saltiness.)
• 1 tbsp Sesame oil(For finishing aroma and flavor.)
• 1 medium Onion(Sliced thinly.)
• 3 stalks Scallions(Cut into 2-inch lengths. Separate white/light green parts from dark green tops.)
• 1 tbsp Vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)(For stir-frying.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, mirin, minced garlic, minced ginger, sugar, and 1/2 tbsp of the sesame oil. Whisk until smooth.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
2. 2

   Marinate the pork: Add the thinly sliced pork to the marinade. Use your hands or tongs to ensure every piece of pork is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the pork to tenderize.

   ⏱️ 2+ hours (minimum)
3. 3

   Prepare the aromatics: While the pork is marinating, thinly slice the onion. Cut the scallions into 2-inch pieces, separating the white/light green parts from the dark green tops.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
4. 4

   Sear the pork: Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated pork in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which will steam the pork instead of searing it). Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the pork is browned and slightly caramelized.

   ⏱️ 3-4 minutes
5. 5

   Add vegetables: Add the sliced onion and the white/light green parts of the scallions to the skillet. Continue to stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, until the onions are softened and translucent, and the pork is cooked through.

   ⏱️ 3-4 minutes
6. 6

   Finish and serve: Stir in the dark green scallion tops and the remaining 1/2 tbsp of sesame oil. Toss everything together for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.

   ⏱️ 1 minute

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓High heat is crucial for achieving a good sear and preventing the pork from becoming watery.
• ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when stir-frying the pork. Cook in batches if necessary.
• ✓Lettuce wraps (ssam) are a traditional and delicious way to enjoy Jeyuk Bokkeum. Wrap a piece of pork with rice, kimchi, and other accompaniments in a fresh lettuce leaf.
• ✓Adjust the amount of gochujang and gochugaru to control the spiciness.
• ✓The longer the pork marinates, the deeper the flavor will be.

🔄 Variations

• Add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms during step 5.
• For a less spicy version, reduce the amount of gochugaru and consider adding a touch more sugar or honey.
• Substitute pork belly for pork shoulder for a richer, fattier dish.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving