Spicy & Sweet Pork Jowl Rice Bowl with Cheongyang Peppers
Spicy & Sweet Pork Jowl Rice Bowl with Cheongyang Peppers
The Perfect Harmony of Pork Jowl, Kimchi, and Spicy Cheongyang Peppers! Make Authentic Pork Jowl Rice Bowl at Home
I tried to recreate the pork jowl rice bowl from my favorite restaurant as closely as possible, and the taste is exactly the same! My husband loved it so much that he keeps asking me to make it again. The savory pork jowl, the spicy kick from the Cheongyang peppers, and the tangy kimchi create an irresistible combination that will have you finishing your rice in no time. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a delightful everyday meal.
Main Ingredients- Pork jowl 300g
- Well-fermented kimchi 1 handful (approx. 150g)
- Cabbage 1 handful (approx. 100g)
- Cheongyang peppers 4 pcs
- Salt a pinch (for marinating pork)
Spicy & Sweet Sauce- Sugar 1 Tbsp
- Soy sauce 2 Tbsp
- Oyster sauce 1 Tbsp
- Mirin (or cooking wine) 1 Tbsp
- Vinegar 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Black pepper a pinch
- Water 4 Tbsp
- Sugar 1 Tbsp
- Soy sauce 2 Tbsp
- Oyster sauce 1 Tbsp
- Mirin (or cooking wine) 1 Tbsp
- Vinegar 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Black pepper a pinch
- Water 4 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the well-fermented kimchi, which is key to the flavor of this dish. Lightly rinse the kimchi under running water to remove any sourness, then chop it finely into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the Cheongyang peppers for a spicy kick. Also, thinly slice or finely shred the cabbage; its sweetness will enhance the overall flavor of the rice bowl.
Step 2
Now, let’s cook the star ingredient, the pork jowl. Heat a pan over medium-high heat, then add the pork jowl. Sear it until it’s golden brown and nicely browned on both sides, ensuring the rich flavor of the pork jowl is fully developed. Once cooked, let it cool slightly, then cut it into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 cm) for the topping. Drain excess oil from the pan to prevent the rice bowl from becoming too greasy.
Step 3
This step is about letting the sauce perfectly coat and simmer with the pork jowl. Return the seared pork jowl to the pan. Add all the ‘Spicy & Sweet Sauce’ ingredients (sugar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, and water) and mix well. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until the sauce has thickened and coats the pork jowl beautifully. Finally, drizzle in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil for a fragrant finish.
Step 4
Let’s quickly stir-fry the cabbage to maintain its crisp texture. Add a little olive oil to a frying pan, then add the prepared cabbage. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper, and add a splash of mirin. Stir-fry briefly, just until the cabbage is slightly wilted but still retains its crunch. This should only take 1-2 minutes.
Step 5
Now it’s time to assemble your delicious Spicy & Sweet Pork Jowl Rice Bowl! Generously top a bowl of warm rice with the saucy pork jowl. Arrange the stir-fried cabbage and chopped kimchi attractively on the side. For an extra touch, you can add a fried egg or some seaweed flakes. The combination of spicy, sweet, and savory pork jowl with the crisp cabbage and tangy kimchi is truly outstanding!
