
Rich & Flavorful Pork and Zucchini Stew (Jjageuli)
Rich & Flavorful Pork and Zucchini Stew (Jjageuli)
[Easy Zucchini Recipe] How to Make Delicious Pork and Zucchini Jjageuli!
While there’s a Jeolla-do style zucchini stew that’s very soupy, I’ve made a ‘Pork and Zucchini Jjageuli’ with a thicker, stew-like consistency, perfect for eating with rice. This dish combines the savory depth of pork with the natural sweetness of zucchini. It’s a wonderful meal that the whole family can enjoy!
Main Ingredients- Pork (shoulder or leg recommended) 470g
- Zucchini 2 medium
- Onion 1 medium
- Green onion (or scallions) a little
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make the Pork and Zucchini Jjageuli. We have 470g of pork, 2 zucchini, 1 onion, and some green onions (or scallions). For the seasoning, prepare 9 Tbsp soy sauce, 10 Tbsp gochugaru, 4 Tbsp sugar, 2 Tbsp minced garlic, and a little sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds.
Step 2
Let’s start by preparing the vegetables! Cut the green onions (or scallions) into pieces about 6cm long. It’s good to cut them into substantial pieces so they don’t become too mushy when cooked.
Step 3
Peel the onion and slice it into strips about 0.5cm thick. The sweetness of the onion will add a deep flavor to the jjageuli.
Step 4
Wash the zucchini thoroughly, remove the ends, and slice it into rounds about 1cm thick. These are a good size for everyone to enjoy.
Step 5
Stack the sliced zucchini rounds and then cut them lengthwise into strips about 0.5cm thick. This way, the seasoning will penetrate evenly, and the texture will be much better.
Step 6
All the vegetables – the julienned zucchini and onion, and the cut green onions – are now ready and look delicious.
Step 7
Now for the crucial step: marinating the pork! Place the pork in a bowl and add 2 Tbsp of minced garlic. The pungent aroma of garlic will help eliminate any gamey smell from the pork.
Step 8
Add 2 Tbsp of sugar for a touch of sweetness. (This is 2 Tbsp out of the total 4 Tbsp).
Step 9
Add a generous 10 Tbsp of gochugaru for that essential spicy kick. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.
Step 10
Add 6 Tbsp of soy sauce, the foundation of savory flavor. (This is 6 Tbsp out of the total 9 Tbsp).
Step 11
Now, put on a pair of clean disposable gloves and mix the pork and seasonings thoroughly until everything is well combined. If you have time, letting the marinated pork rest in the refrigerator for at least half a day will enhance the flavor even further. If you’re short on time, you can cook it right away!
Step 12
Place the marinated pork in a heated pan. Add just enough water to barely cover the pork, so it doesn’t stick to the bottom and cooks properly. Cook the pork over high heat first.
Step 13
Once the pork starts simmering and a little liquid has formed, continue to cook it by adding water little by little, multiple times. Adding too much water will dilute the flavor, so the key is to let it simmer and reduce gradually.
Step 14
Taste the stew. If you feel it needs more sweetness, add the remaining 2 Tbsp of sugar.
Step 15
Also, if the seasoning needs adjustment, add the remaining 3 Tbsp of soy sauce to get the flavor just right.
Step 16
Now, add the julienned onion and zucchini that you prepared earlier into the pan. These vegetables will make the jjageuli even more delicious.
Step 17
Stir-fry the vegetables with the pork until the zucchini and onions are slightly softened. Be careful not to overcook the zucchini until it becomes too mushy.
Step 18
Finally, add the chopped green onions (or scallions) and give it a quick mix. The fresh aroma of the onions will further enhance the overall flavor.
Step 19
Let everything simmer gently over medium-low heat until all the ingredients are well combined and the sauce has thickened to a rich, jjageuli consistency. Be careful not to cook over high heat, as it might burn.
Step 20
Just before turning off the heat, drizzle a little sesame oil over the pan for an extra nutty aroma. This will elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Step 21
Voila! Your delicious Pork and Zucchini Jjageuli is complete! Served over a bowl of freshly steamed rice, it’s an absolute delight. Try making this wonderful home-cooked meal using the recipe I’ve shared today!

