Make-Ahead Spicy & Sweet Stir-Fried Pork (Jeyuk Bokkeum)
Delicious Jeyuk Bokkeum Recipe to Enjoy at Home
This recipe is for a versatile Jeyuk Bokkeum that you can make in a generous batch, marinate ahead of time, and then easily stir-fry whenever you crave it. The combination of tender pork, savory onions, and fragrant scallions is incredibly delicious and perfect with rice. Having marinated pork ready means you can create a wonderful meal anytime!
Main Ingredients
- 1kg Pork Shoulder (or front leg, with less fat and a chewy texture)
- 1 Onion (medium size)
- 1 Scallion (or green onion stalk)
- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
Pork Marinade
- 3 Tbsp Cooking Wine (like Mirin)
- 3 Tbsp Ginger Syrup (or 1/2 Tbsp minced ginger)
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
Stir-Fry Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (brewing soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Jocheong (grain syrup, or corn syrup)
- 1 Pinch Salt
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- A pinch of Black Pepper
- 3 Tbsp Cooking Wine (like Mirin)
- 3 Tbsp Ginger Syrup (or 1/2 Tbsp minced ginger)
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
Stir-Fry Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (brewing soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Jocheong (grain syrup, or corn syrup)
- 1 Pinch Salt
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- A pinch of Black Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Pork shoulder (or front leg) is ideal for Jeyuk Bokkeum as it has a good balance of lean meat and chewy fat. First, gently pat the pork slices with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps to get rid of any gamey smell and ensures a cleaner flavor.
Step 2
To make the pork extra tender and flavorful, we’ll marinate it. In a bowl, combine the pork with the ‘Pork Marinade’ ingredients: cooking wine, ginger syrup, and sugar. Gently massage the marinade into the pork slices with your hands, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes for the flavors to penetrate.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the stir-fry sauce. In a separate bowl, combine all the ‘Stir-Fry Sauce’ ingredients: gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, jocheong, salt, sesame oil, and pepper. Mix them thoroughly with a spoon or whisk until smooth and well combined. Getting the sauce right is key to a delicious Jeyuk Bokkeum.
Step 4
Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the marinated pork. Make sure to coat all the pork pieces generously with the sauce.
Step 5
Gently mix the pork and sauce together again with your hands, ensuring even distribution. Now, add the 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and continue to massage it into the pork. The garlic will add a wonderful aromatic depth to the dish.
Step 6
While you can cook the pork right away, refrigerating it after marinating allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become more tender. For best results, let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour. If you have more time, marinating for 3 to 4 hours will yield even more tender pork with deeply infused flavors. Adjust the marinating time according to your schedule and preference.
Step 7
Prepare the onion by slicing it into thick strips. Slicing it thicker than usual will give it a pleasant chewiness when stir-fried, preventing it from becoming too soft or mushy.
Step 8
Slice the scallion diagonally into bite-sized pieces. Diagonal cuts help the scallions absorb the sauce well and add a nice visual appeal to the dish.
Step 9
Time to stir-fry! Heat a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and allow the pan to get properly hot. A well-heated pan is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 10
Once the pan is hot, add the sliced onions. Stir-fry them over medium heat. Cooking the onions gently first helps to bring out their natural sweetness.
Step 11
Continue to stir-fry the onions until they become translucent and slightly softened. This process helps to release their sweetness, which contributes to the overall flavor of the Jeyuk Bokkeum.
Step 12
When the onions are cooked to your liking, add about half of the marinated pork (approximately 500g) to the pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cooking in batches ensures the pork sears nicely rather than steaming.
Step 13
Using chopsticks or a spatula, gently separate the pork slices as they cook. Break up any clumps to ensure the pork cooks evenly and doesn’t stick together.
Step 14
Stir-fry the pork and onions together, ensuring they are well combined. Continue cooking until the pork is no longer pink and has a slightly browned appearance.
Step 15
When the pork is almost fully cooked, add the sliced scallions to the pan. Adding them near the end preserves their freshness and slight crunch.
Step 16
Finally, turn up the heat to high and stir-fry quickly for about a minute, just until the scallions are slightly wilted and coated with the sauce. High heat at the end helps to seal in the flavors and maintain a good texture for both the pork and vegetables. Be careful not to overcook.
Step 17
Transfer the delicious Jeyuk Bokkeum to a serving plate. It’s now ready to be enjoyed with a steaming bowl of rice. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish!
