Delicious Stir-Fried Pork Belly Kimchi Recipe
Delicious Stir-Fried Pork Belly Kimchi Recipe
Stir-Fried Pork Belly Kimchi: Rich Flavor for Side Dish or Rice Bowl
When you need a quick and satisfying side dish, this stir-fried kimchi with pork belly is a winner! The rich, savory flavor of the thinly sliced pork belly elevates simple stir-fried kimchi to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s perfect as a side dish, or even better served over a bowl of hot rice for a hearty and flavorful rice bowl. This dish is a true Korean comfort food!
Main Ingredients- 1/4 head ripe sour kimchi (save the kimchi juice)
- 300g thinly sliced pork belly (usambgyeop)
- 1 Korean chili pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 cup kimchi juice
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thinly slice the ripe sour kimchi into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 cm wide. You don’t need to rinse it. Slicing it this way helps the seasonings penetrate evenly and shortens the cooking time.
Step 2
Heat a pan over medium heat and add the thinly sliced pork belly. Cook, stirring and separating the slices with chopsticks or a spatula, until the pork belly starts to render its fat and turns lightly golden brown, about 80% cooked.
Step 3
Once the pork belly is about 80% cooked and slightly browned, add the thinly sliced kimchi to the pan. Stir well with the pork belly and continue to stir-fry until the kimchi becomes slightly translucent and softened, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4
Now it’s time to season. Pour in 1/2 cup of the reserved kimchi juice along the side of the pan. The kimchi juice adds a deep umami flavor and moisture to the stir-fry.
Step 5
Next, add 1 Tbsp of oyster sauce. Oyster sauce is a secret ingredient that enhances the flavors of both the kimchi and the pork belly.
Step 6
Add 1 Tbsp of sugar. The sugar will help to mellow the sourness of the kimchi and balance the overall taste, so be sure to include it.
Step 7
With all the seasonings added, continue to stir-fry over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until the kimchi juice has reduced to a thick sauce and the seasonings are well incorporated into the kimchi and pork belly. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Step 8
When the stir-fry has reached your desired consistency and most of the liquid has evaporated, add the thinly sliced Korean chili pepper. This adds a pleasant spicy kick that cuts through the richness, so add it if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Step 9
Finally, drizzle in a little sesame oil for a nutty aroma and sprinkle with a pinch of black pepper. Give it one final quick stir, then immediately turn off the heat. Adding sesame oil at the end preserves its fragrant aroma.
Step 10
Transfer the delicious stir-fried pork belly kimchi to a serving plate. It’s ready to be enjoyed as a fantastic side dish or as a topping for a hearty rice bowl. Enjoy your meal!
