Baek Jong-won Style Pork Belly Tofu Stew
Baek Jong-won Style Pork Belly Tofu Stew
[Sarang Power Blog] Home Cooking Baek Teacher 3 – Baek Jong-won’s Pork Belly Tofu Stew Recipe for Taste and Health!
Introducing Baek Jong-won’s signature pork belly and tofu stew, a hearty and delicious meal that’s as healthy as it is flavorful. This recipe is surprisingly simple, making it perfect for anyone to try. If you’re making it for the first time, be sure to follow the ingredient quantities precisely. Once you’re comfortable, feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your personal taste. It’s truly a rice-stealing dish!
Ingredients- 1 block Tofu (approx. 300g)
- 2 handfuls Pork Belly slices (Baeng-samgyeopsal) (approx. 200-250g)
- 1 handful Green Onions (sliced, focusing on white parts)
- 2 Cheongyang chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic (approx. 10g)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) (approx. 15-20g)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (approx. 10g)
- 2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds or Sesame Powder (approx. 10g)
- 1/3 cup Soy Sauce (approx. 70-80ml)
- 1 cup Water (approx. 200ml)
- 2 Tbsp Perilla Oil (approx. 20ml)
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce or Korean Soup Soy Sauce (for umami)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the star of the dish: 1 block of tofu. Firm or stewing tofu can be used, but firm tofu holds its shape better and prevents breakage.
Step 2
Let’s cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces. First, cut the tofu lengthwise into 2-3 pieces, then cut them crosswise to create uniformly thick slices, about 2cm thick.
Step 3
Here’s another way to cut the tofu: cut it in half lengthwise, then divide each half into three equal sections. This method helps achieve consistently sized pieces, ensuring the sauce penetrates evenly for maximum flavor.
Step 4
Now, it’s time to add 2 handfuls of pork belly slices to the pan. Since it can be fatty, you can wipe it with a paper towel or skip this step if you prefer.
Step 5
If the pork belly slices are too long, cut them in half with scissors. This makes them easier to eat with the tofu and helps the sauce to coat them more effectively.
Step 6
Carefully arrange the prepared tofu pieces on top of the pork belly slices in the pan. Be gentle to avoid breaking the tofu as it cooks.
Step 7
Sprinkle a handful of roughly chopped green onions over the tofu. The sweetness of the green onions will enhance the stew’s flavor.
Step 8
Add 2 finely chopped Cheongyang chilies on top of the green onions for a spicy kick. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can substitute with regular chilies or omit them.
Step 9
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the pan. The garlic aroma will blend well with the seasoning, creating a deep flavor.
Step 10
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) evenly over the ingredients. This is key for the spicy and vibrant color. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Step 11
Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavors. Sugar helps to bring out the savory notes of the other ingredients.
Step 12
Generously sprinkle 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds or sesame powder for a nutty flavor and texture. While you can add them at the end, incorporating them during the simmering process allows their aroma to infuse better.
Step 13
Prepare 1/3 cup of soy sauce. Soy sauce is the foundation of the savory flavor and provides the primary seasoning for the dish.
Step 14
Measure out 1 cup of water to create the stew’s broth. The amount of water is crucial for achieving the desired consistency.
Step 15
Pour the prepared soy sauce and water into the pan together. Almost all the ingredients are now in the pan!
Step 16
Finally, drizzle 2 tablespoons of perilla oil over everything. The distinct nutty aroma of perilla oil will elevate the dish.
Step 17
Add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce or Korean soup soy sauce. This ingredient adds a layer of umami and depth to the flavor profile.
Step 18
All the ingredients are now in the pan! Isn’t it simple? Turn on the heat to medium and let it simmer. The beauty of this recipe is that you can add everything at once without pre-sautéing.
Step 19
If you taste the stew and find it too salty, or if you’re worried about the sauce reducing too much, don’t panic! Simply add more tofu, potatoes, onions, or mushrooms. These ingredients absorb liquid and will help to balance the saltiness and keep the stew moist.
Step 20
Be careful not to let the tofu burn. Gently shake the pan or stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Even if it looks like there’s a lot of liquid, it will reduce significantly once you turn off the heat, resulting in a thick, stewed consistency. Therefore, vigilance is key.
Step 21
Once the pork belly is cooked through and the flavors have melded together, resulting in a rich, stewed consistency, your delicious pork belly and tofu stew is complete! Serve it hot over rice for a satisfying meal.
