Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Cola Pork Belly & Potato Stew, a unique twist on a classic comfort food. This recipe blends the unexpected sweetness of cola with savory pork belly and hearty potatoes, creating a depth of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. Forget bland stews; this dish offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes, all simmered to perfection until the pork is melt-in-your-mouth tender and the potatoes are creamy and soft. The subtle caramelisation from the cola adds a beautiful richness that elevates this stew beyond the ordinary.
Imagine a steaming bowl of this deliciousness on a chilly evening. The aromatic blend of spices and cola will fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation. Ready to create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step instructions that will guide you through the process of making this unforgettable Cola Pork Belly & Potato Stew.
Tools Needed
- Pan
Ingredients
- Thick pork belly: 500g
- Potatoes: 500g
- Cola: 500ml
- Oyster sauce
- Green chili peppers: 2
- Red pepper flakes
- Sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Prepare 500g of thick pork belly. Cut off excess belly fat and cut the pork belly into thick pieces.
- Prepare a similar amount (500g) of potatoes and cut them into large pieces, similar in size to the pork belly.
Step 2. Initial Cooking & Simmering
- In a pan, put all the sliced pork belly and potatoes.
- Pour 500ml of cola into the pan. (Zero-calorie cola is not recommended).
- Add oyster sauce and two green chili peppers.
- Once the cola starts to boil, simmer the pork belly and potatoes for 15 minutes until cooked.
- Add red pepper flakes for color.
Step 3. Reduce Sauce & Tenderize
- When the pork belly is tender, open the lid and simmer until the cola reduces to a rich, flavorful sauce.
Step 4. Garnish & Serve
- Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Read more: Instant Pot Chinese Beef Brisket Stew (蘿蔔燜牛腩) - Easy Recipe
Tips
- Use regular cola, not diet cola.
- The sweetness of the cola eliminates the need for additional sugar.
- This dish is delicious served with rice.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 1500-1800
- Fat: 80-100g
- Carbs: 100-130g
- Protein: 40-50g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of pork instead of pork belly?
While pork belly provides the best richness and tenderness, you can substitute with pork shoulder or even boneless pork loin. Just be aware that the cooking time might need adjustment.
2. What can I do if my stew is too sweet?
Add a splash of rice vinegar or soy sauce to balance the sweetness. You can also add a pinch more gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for a spicy kick to cut through the sweetness.
3. Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! This stew tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This Korean-Style Niku Jaga is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal any time of year. The sweet and savory combination of pork belly, potatoes, and aromatics creates a truly unforgettable taste experience. So gather your ingredients and embark on this culinary journey – your taste buds will thank you!