Step 1

First, let’s prepare all the ingredients. For the pork, shoulder cuts offer a nice chew, while neck cuts are more tender. You can choose based on your preference. Ensure all vegetables are washed and ready.

Step 2

Now, let’s make the flavorful secret sauce. In a bowl, combine 3 Tbsp gochujang, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp sugar (or corn syrup/plum extract), 1 Tbsp soy sauce, a pinch of sesame seeds, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly with a spoon until well combined and smooth. This sauce is the key to a delicious Jeyuk Bokkeum.

Step 3

Prepare the vegetables for optimal texture and appearance. Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm each. Slice the leek and Cheongyang chili peppers diagonally. Cut the onion into 1cm thick slices.

Step 4

It’s time to marinate the pork. Add the prepared secret sauce to the pork pieces and mix well with your hands, ensuring every piece is coated evenly. You can stir-fry it immediately, but for a deeper flavor, cover the marinated pork with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the sauce to penetrate the meat, enhancing the taste.

Step 5

Let’s infuse the oil with aromatic flavors. Heat 2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over high heat. Add the sliced leeks and stir-fry for about 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned, creating a delicious leek-infused oil.

Step 6

Once the leek oil is fragrant, add the marinated pork to the pan. Keep the heat on high and stir-fry quickly to prevent the pork from sticking together.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to medium and continue to stir-fry the pork until it is fully cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes, or until the pork changes color from pink to brown. If there’s excess liquid, you can drain some of it.

Step 8

When the pork is almost cooked, add the sliced onion and diagonally cut Cheongyang chili peppers to the pan. Stir-fry them together with the pork.

Step 9

Increase the heat back to high and stir-fry for another 2 minutes. This final quick stir-fry helps the sauce thicken and cling to the ingredients, adding a hint of smoky flavor. Turn off the heat after 2 minutes.

Step 10

Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a final touch. Your delicious, spicy, and sweet Jeyuk Bokkeum is ready! It’s perfect served with a bowl of steamed rice or enjoyed as a lettuce wrap.

Step 11