How to Boil Perfect Boiled Pork (Suyuk)
How to Boil Perfect Boiled Pork (Suyuk)
Deliciously Tender Suyuk Without Any Gamey Odor: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe was born out of a desire to make suyuk myself when I wasn’t completely satisfied with my mother’s version, especially while focusing on a healthier diet. It’s a journey that led me to master this dish. Join me in creating melt-in-your-mouth, flavorful boiled pork!
Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Suyuk- 1kg Pork Shoulder or Belly (for boiling)
- 1 medium Onion
- 2 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 10 cloves Garlic
- 200ml Soju or Cheongju (Korean rice wine)
- 1/2 stalk of Leek (white part only) or Leek roots
Optional Ingredients for Enhanced Aroma- 1 sachet Instant Coffee (e.g., Maxim Kanu)
- 1 slice Ginger
- 1 sachet Instant Coffee (e.g., Maxim Kanu)
- 1 slice Ginger
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by filling a large pot with enough water to fully submerge the pork. Add all the ingredients for boiling EXCEPT the soju or cheongju – this includes the onion, doenjang, garlic, coffee, ginger, and leek. Letting these ingredients simmer together first will infuse the water with a rich flavor base, crucial for tenderizing and flavoring the pork.
Step 2
Once the water reaches a rolling boil, it’s time to add the soju or cheongju. The alcohol helps to effectively eliminate any unpleasant odors from the pork. Now, carefully place the pork into the boiling liquid. Position the meat with the fatty side facing downwards; this allows the rendered fat to beautifully flavor the broth and the meat as it cooks.
Step 3
Boil the pork over high heat for 15 minutes to develop a robust broth, then reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook for another 20 minutes. After approximately 35 minutes total, the pork should be cooked. To check for doneness, insert a skewer or fork into the thickest part of the meat. If clear juices run out, it’s ready. If pinkish liquid appears, continue boiling over high heat for an additional 5-10 minutes until no more pink is visible. The meat should be tender when pierced.
Step 4
Slice the perfectly cooked suyuk into your desired serving sizes and arrange them attractively on a platter. Your delicious, tender boiled pork is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve with kimchi, ssamjang (dipping sauce), and fresh lettuce wraps for a delightful meal.
