All-Purpose Seasoned Ground Pork (Soboro)
All-Purpose Seasoned Ground Pork (Soboro)
How to Make and Store Versatile Ground Pork Soboro for Korean Home Cooking
Today, I’m sharing the recipe for seasoned ground pork, or ‘Soboro,’ which I made a few days ago to enjoy with bibimbap with my neighbors. Adding this savory and slightly sweet Soboro elevated our bibimbap, making it feel a bit more special! It’s a wonderfully versatile condiment that’s perfect not just for bibimbap but also for onigiri (rice balls) and many other dishes. Let’s learn how to make this delicious, all-purpose Soboro!
Main Ingredients- 400g ground pork
Seasoning Ingredients- 4 Tbsp soy sauce (for seasoning)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (cheongju)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp minced ginger
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce (for seasoning)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (cheongju)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp minced ginger
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In a large bowl, combine 400g of ground pork. Add 1 Tbsp sugar, 2 Tbsp cooking wine (cheongju), and 1 Tbsp minced garlic to season the pork.
Step 2
To eliminate any porky odor, add 1/4 tsp minced ginger (or a small amount of ginger powder) and a pinch of black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly with your hands, as if kneading, and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Step 3
Heat a pan over medium-high heat (no oil needed initially). Add the seasoned ground pork. As the pork starts to cook, break up any large clumps with a spatula, ensuring it cooks evenly. You’ll notice a good amount of liquid releasing from the pork; stir-frying over high heat initially helps to evaporate this moisture quickly.
Step 4
Once most of the liquid has evaporated, reduce the heat to medium. Continue to stir-fry until the pork becomes crumbly and dry, resembling small granules. This texture is key to good Soboro. Finally, add 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds and mix gently to incorporate their nutty aroma.
Step 5
This prepared ground pork Soboro has a delightful sweet and savory (dan-jjan) flavor profile that pairs well with almost any dish. While it’s seasoned, feel free to add a little more sugar or soy sauce if you prefer a stronger taste.
Step 6
I found that adding a generous spoonful of this Soboro to my bibimbap made it incredibly delicious! Even the kids enjoyed it more, noticing the tasty addition of the pork.
Step 7
Make a slightly larger batch of this versatile Soboro, and you’ll have a fantastic addition ready to enhance your everyday meals. Storing some in the freezer means you can easily access it whenever needed.
Step 8
The secret to a truly delicious pork Soboro lies in effectively removing any gamey odors and stir-frying it to a perfectly crumbly texture. Ensure the pork is well-marinated with cooking wine and ginger, then stir-fry until dry and granular for an excellent all-purpose condiment.
Step 9
For longer storage, portion the leftover Soboro into individual servings. Store in airtight containers or freezer bags in the freezer. This way, you can enjoy its freshness for longer and easily grab a portion when you need a quick side dish or topping.
Step 10
Arrange your colorful assorted seasoned vegetables beautifully in a bowl, then top generously in the center with this delicious pork Soboro. You’ll have a visually appealing and wonderfully flavorful bibimbap ready to enjoy!
