Lee Jang-woo’s Powder Pork Stir-fry (Jeyuk Bokkeum)
Spicy and Sweet Jeyuk Bokkeum Recipe Using Lee Jang-woo’s ‘Magic Powder’ from ‘I Live Alone’
This recipe is inspired by the popular ‘Magic Powder’ Jeyuk Bokkeum showcased by actor Lee Jang-woo on the TV show ‘I Live Alone.’ Initially, I was skeptical about whether such an unusual method could yield delicious results. However, seeing the genuine reactions of the show’s panelists convinced me to try it. Setting aside my doubts and my usual approach to seasoning, I embarked on making Lee Jang-woo’s Powder Jeyuk Bokkeum! Get ready to experience a flavor that surpasses expectations with this unique recipe.
Main Ingredients
- 600g thinly sliced pork belly (Daepae Samgyeopsal)
- 1/2 onion
- 1 handful cabbage (or Napa cabbage)
- 1/2 carrot
- 1/2 green onion
- 2 Cheongyang chili peppers (spicy Korean chili)
Lee Jang-woo’s Magic Powder Seasoning (for 4 servings)
- 7 Tbsp red chili powder (Gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp beef seasoned bouillon powder (like Dasida)
- 1 Tbsp dried anchovy seasoned bouillon powder
- 1 Tbsp dried clam seasoned bouillon powder
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 5 Tbsp sugar
- 7 Tbsp red chili powder (Gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp beef seasoned bouillon powder (like Dasida)
- 1 Tbsp dried anchovy seasoned bouillon powder
- 1 Tbsp dried clam seasoned bouillon powder
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 5 Tbsp sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables. Take half a carrot and slice it thinly on an angle or julienne it. Slicing it this way helps the seasoning penetrate well and improves the texture.
Step 2
Julienne half an onion and set it aside. The onion’s sweetness will enhance the overall flavor of the Jeyuk Bokkeum.
Step 3
Chop half a green onion into bite-sized pieces. If you have Napa cabbage, thinly shred about 2 handfuls. Regular cabbage can also be used. Ensure all vegetables are cut into manageable pieces for cooking.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the ‘Magic Powder.’ In a large bowl, add 7 tablespoons of red chili powder and 2 tablespoons of beef seasoned bouillon powder.
Step 5
Next, add 1 tablespoon of dried anchovy seasoned bouillon powder and 1 tablespoon of dried clam seasoned bouillon powder. This combination of bouillon powders is the secret to its rich umami flavor.
Step 6
Then, add 1 tablespoon of salt to balance the flavors.
Step 7
Finally, add 5 tablespoons of sugar to achieve the perfect balance between spicy and sweet. Mix all the powdered ingredients thoroughly to create the ‘Magic Powder.’
Step 8
It’s time to stir-fry the Jeyuk Bokkeum. Since thinly sliced pork belly is fatty, you don’t need to add extra oil. If you are using regular pork shoulder or leg, add a little cooking oil to the pan before stir-frying the meat.
Step 9
Heat a pan over high heat. Add the thinly sliced pork belly and stir-fry until it’s about halfway cooked and has changed color. Then, add all the prepared vegetables except for the green onion and chili peppers (onion, cabbage, carrot) and stir-fry them together. (This recipe serves approximately 4 people with 600g of pork).
Step 10
Once the vegetables begin to soften slightly, add 5 tablespoons of the pre-made ‘Magic Powder’ (for 4 servings) and mix well to ensure the seasoning coats the pork and vegetables evenly.
Step 11
Stir-fry everything over high heat until the seasoning is well incorporated and the ingredients have a rich color. Cooking over high heat helps develop a delicious smoky flavor.
Step 12
Taste the Jeyuk Bokkeum and adjust seasoning if necessary. While Lee Jang-woo’s recipe is flavorful on its own, adding 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and a pinch of black pepper can further enhance the aroma and taste.
Step 13
Finally, drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma. Cooking everything over high heat quickly is key to achieving the signature delicious smoky flavor of Jeyuk Bokkeum.
Step 14
Adding a final touch of smoky flavor will complete Lee Jang-woo’s Powder Jeyuk Bokkeum! If you feel the dish lacks smokiness after cooking, you can use a kitchen torch to lightly char the surface. If a torch isn’t available, tilting the pan to allow the bottom heat to create a smoky effect is also a good alternative. Enjoy this special Jeyuk Bokkeum, a delightful blend of spicy, sweet flavors, and a rich smoky aroma!
