Flavorful Pork Belly and Lettuce Salad
Flavorful Pork Belly and Lettuce Salad
A Unique Fusion Dish! The Perfect Harmony of Pork Belly and Crisp Lettuce, a ‘Geotjeori’ Style Salad
This dish transcends the ordinary salad, offering a delightful array of flavors and textures. Fresh lettuce is tossed with savory pork belly in a refreshing ‘geotjeori’ (fresh kimchi) style dressing. It offers the crispness of a salad with the rich umami of meat, creating an unforgettable taste experience. Served over warm rice, it’s absolutely delicious! This attractive dish is perfect for special occasions or to bring vibrancy to your everyday meals. Discover this captivating recipe now.
Main Ingredients- 250g thinly sliced pork belly
- 200-250g fresh lettuce
- 5 cloves garlic
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup (approx. 60ml) cooking wine (mirin or sake)
Spicy & Sweet Sauce- 1/4 cup (approx. 60ml) store-bought soba sauce (tsuyu)
- 1/4 cup (approx. 60ml) sriracha sauce
- Sesame oil to taste
- 1/4 cup (approx. 60ml) store-bought soba sauce (tsuyu)
- 1/4 cup (approx. 60ml) sriracha sauce
- Sesame oil to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, peel the 5 garlic cloves and thinly slice them. After slicing, rinse the garlic lightly under cold water to slightly mellow its sharp flavor, which will enhance its subtle taste.
Step 2
Wash the fresh lettuce thoroughly. Then, tear or cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm wide. It’s crucial to remove excess water from the washed lettuce by letting it drain in a colander; otherwise, the salad can turn out watery and bland.
Step 3
Prepare a wide frying pan and lay the thinly sliced pork belly in a single layer, ensuring pieces do not overlap. This method helps the pork belly cook evenly and achieve a pleasant crispness.
Step 4
Season the pork belly evenly with a pinch of salt and pepper. Next, scatter the thinly sliced garlic over the meat, followed by pouring 1/4 cup of cooking wine (mirin or sake) evenly over the pan. The cooking wine helps to remove any porky odors and adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 5
Now, generously pile the prepared lettuce on top of the pork belly. Cover the frying pan with a lid and begin heating over medium heat. Covering the pan allows the steam from the lettuce and cooking wine to infuse the ingredients with flavor.
Step 6
Once you see steam gently rising from under the lid, reduce the heat to medium. Be careful not to cook over excessively high heat, as the pork belly could burn.
Step 7
When the lettuce has slightly wilted and become tender, turn off the heat immediately. Avoid overcooking, as it will diminish the lettuce’s crisp texture. Carefully transfer the cooked pork belly and lettuce to a separate bowl.
Step 8
To the pan, add 1/4 cup of soba sauce (tsuyu) and 1/4 cup of sriracha sauce to the flavorful drippings and garlic-infused juices. Stir well and simmer gently over medium heat until the sauce slightly thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 9
Place the reserved pork belly and lettuce in the bowl. Pour the freshly made, warm sauce over them. Finally, drizzle a little sesame oil for added nuttiness. Gently toss everything together until the pork belly and lettuce are well coated with the sauce. Mix carefully to avoid crushing the lettuce.
Step 10
Transfer the finished pork belly and lettuce salad to a serving dish, arranging it attractively. For an extra touch, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a delightful visual and nutty finish. Enjoy your delicious meal!
