Spicy Korean Gochujang Stew with Pork
Spicy Korean Gochujang Stew with Pork
A Hearty and Spicy Gochujang Stew Recipe
This is a beloved gochujang stew that we always make when we move! It’s a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for a hearty meal. The rich, spicy broth paired with tender pork and vegetables makes it an irresistible classic Korean comfort food. Let’s get cooking!
Main Ingredients- Pork for stew, 500g (e.g., pork neck or belly)
- Onion, 1 medium
- Potato, 1 medium
- Zucchini (or Korean squash), 1/2
- Tofu, 1/2 block (firm or medium-firm)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the pork by slicing it into bite-sized pieces, slightly smaller than what you might typically expect for stew meat. Lightly pat the pork dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for a cleaner taste.
Step 2
Peel the onion and slice it into thick strips. Be careful not to slice it too thinly, as it can disintegrate when cooked.
Step 3
Wash and peel the potato. Slice it into half-moon shapes or about 1cm thick pieces. Cutting it into appropriate sizes is important to prevent it from becoming mushy during cooking.
Step 4
Slice the zucchini similarly to the potato, into half-moon shapes or about 1cm thick pieces. Zucchini can become very soft if overcooked, so you can add it a bit later in the cooking process if you prefer it firmer.
Step 5
Cut the tofu into about 1cm thick slices. Avoid slicing it too thinly, as it might break apart while simmering.
Step 6
Now, get your stew pot ready. Arrange the sliced pork, onion, potato, zucchini, and tofu attractively in the pot. Adding all the ingredients at once will create a wonderfully rich flavor.
Step 7
Sprinkle the gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) evenly over the ingredients. Adjust the amount based on your desired level of spiciness. If you enjoy a really fiery kick, feel free to add up to 1.5 Tbsp.
Step 8
Next, add the gochujang (Korean chili paste) and minced garlic. Pour in the prepared broth (or rice water, or plain water) until the ingredients are well covered. Using broth will give a deeper, more complex flavor, but plain water works fine in a pinch.
Step 9
Bring the stew to a boil over high heat. Once it starts boiling vigorously, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes and zucchini are tender. Check if they are cooked through. Finally, season the stew with soy sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang). You can add salt if needed. Bring it to a gentle simmer once more after seasoning to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 10
Your delicious and spicy homemade gochujang stew with pork is now ready! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice. It’s so good, you’ll finish every last bite!
