Korean cuisine offers a vibrant and diverse range of dishes, with pork playing a central role in many traditional recipes. From hearty soups and savory stews to spicy stir-fries and marinated delights, there’s something for every palate to enjoy when exploring Korean pork dishes.
The art of preparing Korean pork dishes relies on a combination of bold flavors, including garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and unique gochujang (Korean red pepper flakes). These ingredients come together to create dishes that are not only delicious but also satisfyingly balanced.
One of the most famous Korean pork dishes is Bulgogi, often mistakenly referred to as "BBQ" by many. While it's technically a stir-fried dish rather than purely grilled, the term BBQ has stuck due to its popularity in Korean barbecue restaurants.
Bulgogi Recipe
Here’s how you can recreate Bulgogi at home:
Ingredients
- 500g pork (thinly sliced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 green onions (finely chopped)
- 1 small pear or apple (grated, to tenderize the meat)
- 50g brown sugar
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (ground)
Instructions:
- Combine garlic, green onions, pear, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add the thinly sliced pork to the marinade and mix well until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- When ready to cook, heat a large skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated pork slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned and slightly crispy.
- Serve Bulgogi with steamed white rice and a selection of fresh vegetables.
Another beloved Korean pork dish is Jeyuk Bokkeum, or Spicy Pork Stir-fry. This dish features generous amounts of gochujang to give it that signature spicy, tangy kick.
Jeyuk Bokkeum Recipe
Here’s how you can make it at home:
Ingredients
- 400g pork belly (sliced into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into strips)
- 2 green onions (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp gochujang (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute.
- Add the sliced pork belly to the pan, cooking until it’s no longer pink on all sides (3-4 minutes). Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add bell pepper strips and green onions. Cook until they’re slightly softened (about two minutes).
- Return the pork to the pan. Add gochujang sauce, soy sauce, and honey or brown sugar. Stir-fry everything together for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving. Pair Jeyuk Bokkeum with steamed rice for a hearty meal.
From easy-to-prepare stir-fries to more elaborate soups and stews, Korean pork dishes offer an exciting way to introduce the flavors of Korea into your kitchen. Each dish tells its own story of tradition, bold spices, and comfort food in one delightful package.