Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's ready in minutes? Look no further than this incredibly easy Korean Soy Sauce Pork Belly Stir-Fry! This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami notes, showcasing the rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture of pork belly. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy cooking times – this dish is surprisingly simple, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. It's the perfect weeknight dinner solution, equally impressive for a casual meal with friends or a satisfying solo supper.
Imagine juicy, perfectly browned pork belly tossed in a glistening, aromatic soy sauce glaze, accompanied by vibrant vegetables. This recipe is a celebration of simple, fresh flavors, elevated to a culinary masterpiece with minimal fuss. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let's get started with our step-by-step guide to creating this unforgettable Korean Soy Sauce Pork Belly Stir-Fry.
Tools Needed
- Frying pan
- Bowl
- Plate
Ingredients
- Korean soy sauce (or all-purpose): 2 tbsp
- Korean cooking wine (optional): 1 tbsp
- Brown sugar: 1/2 tsp
- Minced garlic (fresh): 1 tbsp
- Oyster sauce: 1 tsp
- Doenjang (fermented soybean paste): 1/2 tbsp
- Beef bouillon powder (or chicken bouillon/MSG): 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: <1/4 tsp
- Hot water: 1/2 cup
- Medium onion: 1/2
- Scallions: 2
- Pork belly (thick cut): 600g
- Salt: null
- Butter: 1 tbsp (optional)
- Sesame seeds: null (optional)
- Chili threads: null (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients & Marinade
- Combine soy sauce, cooking wine (if using), brown sugar, garlic, oyster sauce, doenjang, bouillon powder, pepper, and hot water in a bowl. Stir until well mixed.
- Season pork belly slices with salt and pepper.
Step 2. Cook the Pork Belly
- Preheat a frying pan over high heat. Add pork belly slices, leaving space between them. Cover loosely with foil and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Reduce heat to medium-high for the second side.
- Remove pork belly from the pan and let it rest on a plate for a minute. Pour rendered fat into a bowl (or discard).
- Cut the pork belly into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3. Stir-fry and Simmer
- Heat the pan again to medium-high. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt, stir-fry for about 30 seconds.
- Add the pork belly pieces to the pan. Pour in the prepared soy sauce mixture.
- Turn the heat to high and let the sauce reduce for about 30 seconds until slightly sticky.
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Stir in scallions. Serve over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chili threads (optional).
Read more: Crispy Spicy Honey Garlic Korean Chicken Recipe
Tips
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Preheating your pan is crucial for a good sear.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the pork belly.
- The rendered pork belly fat can be saved and used as cooking oil.
- A little less sesame seeds is always more.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of pork instead of pork belly?
While pork belly provides the best flavor and texture, you can substitute with pork shoulder or even thinly sliced pork loin. Just be aware the cooking time may need adjusting.
2. What can I substitute for gochujang (Korean chili paste)?
If you don't have gochujang, you can omit it or use a small amount of sriracha or another chili paste for a similar level of spice and sweetness. The flavor will be slightly different.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It's best served fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients and marinade in advance. Store the marinated pork in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. Reheating is easy in a pan or microwave.
This Korean Soy Sauce Pork Belly Stir-fry is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary dish. Enjoy the satisfying flavors and textures, and don't hesitate to experiment with different vegetables to customize it to your liking. Happy cooking!