Spicy and Savory Pork and Zucchini Stew (Jjageuli)
Spicy and Savory Pork and Zucchini Stew (Jjageuli)
How to Make Zucchini and Pork Gochujang Stew: A Delicious Jjageuli Recipe
Freshly harvested zucchini from the garden makes for a wonderfully vibrant and flavorful stew! This recipe features tender zucchini and succulent pork neck, simmered in a savory and slightly spicy gochujang-based broth. It’s a hearty stew packed with ingredients, so you won’t need many side dishes. This Pork and Zucchini Gochujang Jjageuli is so satisfying that a single bowl of rice might not be enough, or perhaps just half a bowl will feel like a full meal! Enjoy this delightful dish.
Main Ingredients- 1 Zucchini
- 1/2 Onion
- 1 Green Onion
- 200g Tofu
- 2 Korean Green Chilies (Cheongyang peppers)
- 300g Pork Neck
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the pork neck (300g). You can use leftover pork neck from grilling, or cut it into bite-sized pieces specifically for stew. Ensure it’s cut into pieces that are easy to eat.
Step 2
Now, let’s marinate the pork. In a large bowl, combine 2 Tbsp Gochujang, 1/2 Tbsp Doenjang, 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce, 1 Tbsp Gochugaru, 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic, 1 Tbsp Maesilcheong, 2 Tbsp Cheongju, 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil, and 1/2 tsp Black Pepper. Pour these seasonings over the pork and mix well with your hands, ensuring the pork is evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes for deeper flavor.
Step 3
Next, prepare the zucchini. Wash 1 zucchini thoroughly under running water. It’s important to remove any dirt or soil from the skin.
Step 4
Trim off the stem and blossom end of the zucchini. Then, cut it lengthwise into three equal sections.
Step 5
Cut each of these sections into bite-sized pieces, about 0.5 to 1 cm thick. Cutting them too thin might cause them to break apart while cooking, so aim for a moderate thickness. Ensure they are all similarly sized for even cooking.
Step 6
Place all the prepared zucchini pieces into the pot. The zucchini will soften beautifully as it cooks, adding a delightful texture to the stew.
Step 7
Dice 1/2 onion into roughly square pieces and add it to the pot with the zucchini. The natural sweetness of the onion will add depth to the stew’s broth.
Step 8
Prepare 1 green onion, using the white part. Slice it diagonally into medium-thick pieces and add it to the pot. The fragrant aroma of the green onion will enhance the overall flavor of the stew.
Step 9
Now, let’s sauté the vegetables. Add 1 Tbsp of cooking oil to the pot. First, add the zucchini, onion, and green onion. Sauté over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes. Lightly sautéing the vegetables will bring out their sweetness and make the broth richer.
Step 10
After sautéing the vegetables, add the marinated pork. Continue to stir-fry the pork along with the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until the pork is mostly cooked and has released its savory aroma. Searing the pork is key to developing its flavor.
Step 11
When the pork is almost fully cooked, add the tofu (200g). Cut the tofu into cubes before adding it to the stew. Cubing it ensures it holds its shape while simmering.
Step 12
Prepare the broth. Pour 2 cups of dried anchovy and kelp broth into the bowl that was used for marinating the pork. By rinsing the bowl with the broth, you’ll capture any remaining seasoning, making the broth even more flavorful.
Step 13
Pour all the prepared broth into the pot with the sautéed ingredients and tofu. Stir everything together gently with a spoon or ladle to ensure the ingredients are well combined. This is the stage where it will start to simmer.
Step 14
Increase the heat to high and bring the stew to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently. Allow it to simmer for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors of the zucchini, pork, and onion meld beautifully into the broth, creating a deep and satisfying taste.
Step 15
Finally, add the ingredients that will enhance the aroma and finish the dish. Add the green parts of the sliced green onion and 2 sliced Korean green chilies to the stew. Sprinkle a pinch of black pepper over the top to add a final touch of fragrance.
Step 16
Your hot and delicious Pork and Zucchini Gochujang Jjageuli is ready! Enjoy it with a bowl of rice.
