Craving a comforting yet intensely flavorful meal? Look no further than this Spicy Pork Belly & Gochujang Stew – a vibrant Korean dish bursting with umami and a delightful kick. Tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly simmers in a rich, savory broth infused with the fiery depths of gochujang paste, complemented by sweet and savory aromatics. This recipe delivers a satisfyingly hearty stew, perfect for a chilly evening or a warming weekend meal. It's surprisingly quick and easy to prepare, even for those new to Korean cuisine.
Forget complicated techniques and lengthy cooking times! This recipe simplifies the process, making it accessible to home cooks of all levels. The balanced blend of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors will tantalize your taste buds, and the incredibly tender pork belly will leave you wanting more. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- Pork Belly: 300g
- Potato: 190g
- Onion: 140g
- Zucchini: 120g
- Green Onions: 50g
- Green Chili Peppers: 2
- Red Chili Pepper: 1
- Tofu: 1/2 block
- Garlic: 15g
- Gochujang: 2 tbsp
- Red Pepper Powder: 2 tbsp
- Water: 700ml
- Chicken Stock: 2 tbsp
- Zucchini Soy Sauce: 2 tbsp
- Mirin: 2 tbsp
- Sugar: 1/2 tbsp
- Pepper: 1/2 tsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Vegetables and Aromatics
- Peel and slice one 190g potato into thin half-moon slices. Soak in cold water.
- Dice one small (140g) onion.
- Prepare 120g zucchini, cut into ginkgo-ri shape.
- Thinly slice 50g of green onions.
- Prepare 2 green chili peppers and 1 red chili pepper.
- Dice half a block of tofu.
- Chop 15g of peeled garlic.
Step 2. Cook the Pork Belly and Build the Flavor Base
- Grill 300g of beef brisket in a pan until the spiciness disappears, using the rendered fat.
- Add 2 tbsp gochujang and 2 tbsp red pepper powder to the pan and stir-fry.
Step 3. Combine Ingredients and Bring to a Boil
- Pour in 700ml of water, add potatoes, and 2 tbsp of chicken stock. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, add 2 tbsp zucchini soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, 1/2 tbsp sugar, minced garlic, onion, sliced red pepper, 1/2 tsp pepper, green onions, and tofu.
Step 4. Simmer and Serve
- Simmer until flavors combine.
Read more: Instant Pot Chinese Beef Brisket Stew (蘿蔔燜牛腩) - Easy Recipe
Tips
- Soaking potatoes prevents them from disintegrating during cooking.
- The initial saltiness from soy sauce will mellow as the stew simmers.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pork?
While pork belly is ideal for its richness, you can substitute with pork shoulder or even boneless pork loin. Just be aware that leaner cuts may require slightly longer cooking time.
2. What can I do if my stew is too spicy?
Add a spoonful or two of sugar or honey to balance the spice. A splash of rice vinegar or even a dollop of plain yogurt can also help mellow the heat.
3. Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors actually deepen overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This Spicy Pork Belly & Gochujang Stew is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures in every bite. From its simple preparation to its rich, satisfying taste, this recipe is a perfect addition to your weeknight or weekend meal repertoire. Enjoy the warmth and deliciousness of this Korean culinary gem!