
Tender & Flavorful Boiled Pork Belly (Suyuk) – The Ultimate Recipe
Tender & Flavorful Boiled Pork Belly (Suyuk) – The Ultimate Recipe
How to Boil Pork Belly to Perfection for Bossam and Suyuk
This recipe reveals the secrets to making incredibly tender and flavorful boiled pork (suyuk) without any gamey odor. Elevate your home-cooked meals from ordinary to extraordinary!
Key Ingredients- 600g Pork Shoulder (ideal cut for suyuk)
- 1/2 large Leek (cut into large pieces to impart aroma)
- 1/2 Onion (cut into large pieces to help remove odor)
- 8 cloves Garlic (whole)
- 2 Tbsp Sugar (helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor)
- 1 tsp Whole Peppercorns (for aromatic notes)
- 50ml Soju (excellent for eliminating odor; can substitute with cooking wine or mirin)
- 2 Tbsp Doenjang (fermented soybean paste; adds savory depth and removes odor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by soaking the pork shoulder in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove any excess blood. Thoroughly draining the blood is crucial for a clean-tasting suyuk.
Step 2
In a pot, add enough water to fully submerge the pork. Stir in the sugar, soju, and doenjang. These ingredients work together to effectively neutralize any porky odors and ensure a tender texture.
Step 3
Once the water reaches a rolling boil, carefully add the drained pork shoulder. Starting with high heat helps to sear the outside of the meat, locking in the juices for maximum tenderness.
Step 4
Now, add the large chunks of onion, leek, whole garlic cloves, and whole peppercorns. Cover the pot and simmer over medium-low heat for about 1 hour. To check for doneness, insert a chopstick into the thickest part of the meat; if clear juices run out, it’s ready. If pinkish liquid appears, continue to simmer until done. If the water evaporates too much during cooking, replenish with hot water.
Step 5
Once the pork is perfectly cooked, let it cool slightly before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. Serve hot with your favorite accompaniments like kimchi, ssamjang (dipping paste), or saewoojeot (salted shrimp). Enjoy this deliciously tender suyuk!

