Spicy Stir-Fried Pork (Jaeyuk Bokkeum) Recipe

Jaeyuk Bokkeum, or spicy stir-fried pork, is a fiery Korean dish that explodes with flavor and texture. This intensely savory and slightly sweet stir-fry features tender pork belly, caramelized gochujang (Korean chili paste), and a symphony of aromatic vegetables. The vibrant red color is as captivating as the taste, promising a culinary adventure that will leave you wanting more. It’s a perfect centerpiece for a dinner party or a satisfyingly spicy weeknight meal. The addictive combination of sweet, salty, and spicy elements makes it a crowd-pleaser, and its relatively simple preparation belies its impressive results.

Beyond its deliciousness, Jaeyuk Bokkeum offers a fun, interactive dining experience. The slightly charred edges of the pork add a delightful smoky note, and the glistening sauce coats every morsel, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. Ready to embark on this culinary journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide and create this unforgettable spicy stir-fried pork together!

Tools Needed

  • Frying pan
  • Bowl
  • Paper towels

Ingredients

  • Onion: 1/2 large
  • Scallions
  • Garlic: 2 cloves
  • Ginger
  • Pork
  • Gochujang: 2 tbsp
  • Brown Sugar
  • Black Pepper
  • Soy Sauce
  • Rice Wine
  • Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes): optional
  • Sesame Oil
  • Cooking Oil: 1 tsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Sauce

  • Thinly slice half a large onion.
  • Chop the white parts of scallions (or use green onions).
  • Finely mince two cloves of garlic.
  • Mince ginger.
Thinly slice half a large onion. [36.48]Chop the white parts of scallions (or use green onions). [43.68]Mince ginger. [92.479]
Prepare Ingredients and Sauce
  • gochujang, minced ginger and garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, soy sauce, rice wine, optional gochugaru, and sesame oil.
  • Set aside the sauce for 10 minutes.
  • Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
Combine sauce ingredients in a bowl: gochujang, minced ginger and garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, soy sauce, rice wine, optional gochugaru, and sesame oil. [100.88]Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels. [159.84, 173.44]
Prepare Ingredients and Sauce

Step 2. Cook the Pork

  • Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of oil.
  • Add the pork to the pan and cook until browned and crispy on both sides. Remove excess oil with paper towels if needed.
Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of oil. [187.12]Add the pork to the pan and cook until browned and crispy on both sides. Remove excess oil with paper towels if needed. [196.72]
Cook the Pork

Step 3. Stir-fry and Braise

  • Add the sliced onions to the pan and stir-fry until desired tenderness.
  • Reduce heat, add about two-thirds of the sauce, and toss to coat. Braise for about three minutes.
  • Add more sauce if needed.
  • Stir and cook until the meat absorbs the sauce.
Add the sliced onions to the pan and stir-fry until desired tenderness. [246.08]Reduce heat, add about two-thirds of the sauce, and toss to coat. Braise for about three minutes. [279.919]Add more sauce if needed. [302.56]Stir and cook until the meat absorbs the sauce. [313.039]
Stir-fry and Braise

Step 4. Finish and Serve

  • Sprinkle with chopped green onions, mix, and turn off the heat.
  • Serve.
Sprinkle with chopped green onions, mix, and turn off the heat. [326.56]
Finish and Serve

Read more: Bibimbap Recipe: Delicious Korean Mixed Rice & Vegetables

Tips

  • Pat the pork dry to achieve a crispy texture.
  • Start with making the sauce, as it tastes better after resting.
  • Control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of gochugaru.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of pork?

While pork belly is traditional, you can substitute with pork shoulder or even thinly sliced pork loin. Just adjust cooking time accordingly; leaner cuts will cook faster.

2. What can I do if my gochujang is too spicy?

Add a touch more sugar or honey to balance the heat. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar or mirin to mellow the spiciness.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over medium heat, adding a little water if needed to prevent sticking.


With its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture, this Jaeyuk Bokkeum recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. From its simple ingredients to its surprisingly quick cooking time, it’s a dish that’s both impressive and achievable. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary adventure!