Tender Pork Belly Boiled in Beer (Suyuk)
Tender Pork Belly Boiled in Beer (Suyuk)
Ultra-Simple Boiled Pork Recipe Using Beer: The Secret to Perfectly Tender and Odor-Free Suyuk
Inspired by a recipe from the TV show ‘Pyeonstorang,’ I tried making suyuk using just one bottle of beer, eliminating the need for other ingredients. This method guarantees a pork dish free from any gamey odor, resulting in incredibly tender and moist boiled pork. It’s a surprisingly simple yet effective way to enjoy delicious suyuk at home. Perfect for special occasions or when you want a quick, impressive meal!
Main Ingredients- Pork belly for boiling (Suyuk-yong), 1kg (Choose a cut with a good balance of lean meat and fat)
- Beer (1 standard bottle of lager)
- Bay leaves, 2 (Optional, for added aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 1kg of pork belly specifically for boiling (suyuk). Pork belly is a relatively economical cut that offers a good ratio of lean meat to fat, ensuring a tender texture when boiled. Use the entire piece.
Step 2
In a deep pot or Dutch oven, pour enough beer to completely submerge the pork belly. The beer plays a crucial role in tenderizing the meat and eliminating any unwanted odors.
Step 3
If you desire an extra layer of aroma, add two bay leaves to the pot. While bay leaves are optional, they contribute a deeper, more complex fragrance. If you’re only using beer, place the pot over high heat and bring it to a boil.
Step 4
Once the liquid comes to a rolling boil, foam will rise to the surface. This is impurities from the pork, so carefully skim it off using a spoon or ladle. After removing the foam, reduce the heat to medium.
Step 5
As the beer simmers over medium heat, it will gradually reduce, and the surface of the pork will begin to caramelize, developing a beautiful brown hue. This process not only enhances the appearance but also imbues the pork with a subtly sweet and savory flavor profile.
Step 6
Continue to simmer over medium heat until the beer has almost completely reduced, leaving a rich, concentrated liquid. The total cooking time is approximately 1 hour, but this can vary depending on the thickness of the pork and the heat intensity. To check for doneness, you can cut the pork in half to ensure it’s cooked through. If clear juices run out when pierced with a fork, it’s ready.
Step 7
And there you have it – delicious beer-boiled pork (suyuk) that’s incredibly tender and free of any gamey smell! When sliced and tasted while still warm, you’ll be amazed at how clean and succulent it is, especially considering it was made with just beer. This recipe is wonderfully convenient for creating flavorful suyuk without complex ingredients or lengthy preparation. Enjoy it with rice or fresh lettuce wraps!
