Budget-Friendly Pork Belly Substitute: Easy Large-Batch Boiled Pork
Budget-Friendly Pork Belly Substitute: Easy Large-Batch Boiled Pork
Make a Large Batch of Boiled Pork Using Pork Shoulder for 1/4 the Price of Pork Belly (Meal Prep Tips for Delicious Daily Pork Dishes)
This is a cost-effective boiled pork recipe I’ve been making since my single days, perfect for when you crave a hearty meat dish daily. It stores well in the freezer and can be quickly reheated in the microwave for an instant, delicious pork side dish. Enjoy this versatile recipe!
Boiled Pork Ingredients- Pork shoulder (for boiling) 2.4kg
- 1 bunch garlic
- 2 Tbsp soybean paste (doenjang)
- 1/2 Tbsp whole peppercorns
- 1 stalk green onion
- 2 onions
- 2 sticks instant coffee
- A splash of soju (for deodorizing)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the pork shoulder, specifically cut for boiling, available at most supermarkets. Opt for cuts with skin and some fat attached for the best texture and flavor after cooking.
Step 2
In a large pot, add enough water to fully submerge the pork. Then, add 2 Tbsp of soybean paste (doenjang), 1/2 Tbsp of whole peppercorns, 2 sticks of instant coffee, 1 whole green onion (cleaned), 2 peeled and roughly chopped onions, and a splash of soju to help remove any gamey odors. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 25 minutes. This total cooking time of about 45 minutes ensures the pork is tender.
Step 3
Once cooked, carefully remove the boiled pork from the pot and let it cool slightly. Allowing it to cool for a bit will make it easier to slice without it falling apart.
Step 4
Slice the cooled boiled pork into your desired thickness. Since pork shoulder can have distinct muscle grains, it’s recommended to slice thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Thin slices are generally preferred for this cut.
Step 5
Portion the sliced pork into individual servings, about 110g to 120g each, using zip-top freezer bags. Keep in mind that the pork loses about half its weight as moisture cooks out, so start with at least 200g of raw pork per portion to achieve your target cooked weight. This portioning makes reheating incredibly convenient.
Step 6
Press out as much air as possible from each bag before sealing them tightly. Grouping multiple sealed bags together can help keep your freezer organized.
Step 7
Place all the portioned and sealed bags into a larger freezer bag and store them in the freezer. Whenever you’re craving delicious boiled pork, simply take out a bag and microwave it for about 2 minutes. It reheats beautifully, giving you a taste as good as freshly cooked!
