Steamed Pork Shoulder (No Water Added) – Tender and Juicy
Steamed Pork Shoulder (No Water Added) – Tender and Juicy
Mastering the No-Water Pork Shoulder Steamed Dish
Pork is always a good idea! Enjoy a satisfying meal with this incredibly tender and juicy steamed pork shoulder, cooked without any added water, allowing the natural fat to render beautifully. The exterior is perfectly seared while the interior remains incredibly moist and flavorful. This recipe is ideal for special occasions or a hearty, wholesome meal.
Ingredients- 1.2kg Pork Shoulder (a thick, solid cut)
- 1 large Leek (cut into large pieces)
- 10 cloves Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 2-3 Bay Leaves
- 1 cup (200ml) Soju or Mirin
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Line the bottom of a pot with large pieces of leek and onion. (Tip: Placing onions at the bottom prevents the meat from sticking and adds extra flavor.) Add plenty of whole garlic cloves for a fragrant aroma.
Step 2
Prepare the pork shoulder cut. Spread 2 tablespoons of doenjang evenly over the surface of the meat. Doenjang is excellent for removing gamey odors and tenderizing the meat.
Step 3
Place the doenjang-coated pork shoulder on top of the vegetables. Layer the remaining leek, onion, and bay leaves on top of the meat. Pour about 1 cup of soju or mirin evenly over the ingredients to further eliminate any unwanted odors. Cover the pot tightly and simmer gently over medium-low heat for 50 minutes to 1 hour, until a gentle steam is visible. (Tip: This is a no-water recipe, so do not add any water. The meat cooks in its own juices and the moisture released from the vegetables, ensuring tenderness.)
Step 4
To check if the pork is cooked through, insert a chopstick into the thickest part of the meat. If clear juices run out or no pinkness is visible, it’s perfectly cooked. If any pinkness or blood appears, continue simmering for another 10 minutes.
Step 5
Remove the perfectly steamed pork shoulder from the pot and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Slicing the meat while it’s still warm will prevent it from falling apart and ensure clean cuts. Serve immediately with your favorite accompaniments like kimchi, ssamjang, or saeujeot.
