Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Pork Belly (Jeyuk Bokkeum)

A bold and savory Korean classic, this spicy stir-fried pork belly is packed with gochujang, garlic, and crisp vegetables for the ultimate rice-bowl topping.

Ingredients

• 400 g pork belly
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 stalks green onions
• 1/2 onion
• 2 green peppers
• 1/2 carrot
• 2 tbsp gochujang
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp chili flakes
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tsp beef stock powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1. 1Slice the pork belly

   

   Place the pork belly on a cutting board and slice it into thin strips. These strips will absorb the marinade quickly and cook evenly.

   Tip: For easier slicing, you can chill the pork belly in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm it up.
2. 2Add minced garlic

   

   Add a generous amount of minced garlic to the bowl with the sliced pork belly. Garlic is essential for building the savory foundation of the dish.

   Tip: Mince the garlic finely so it distributes evenly across all the meat.
3. 3Incorporate green onions

   

   Add the freshly chopped green onions into the bowl with the pork and garlic. This adds a subtle freshness to the seasoned meat.

   Tip: Use both the white and light green parts of the green onion for the best flavor.
4. 4Season with chili paste

   

   Add a large spoonful of Korean chili paste (gochujang) to the pork mixture. This paste is the key ingredient for the signature spicy and slightly sweet flavor of the dish.

   Tip: You can adjust the amount of chili paste based on your preference for heat.
5. 5Combine and Marinate

   

   Wearing gloves, mix the sliced pork with the garlic, green onions, gochujang, soy sauces, sugar, chili seasonings, beef stock powder, salt, and sesame oil. Massage the marinade thoroughly into the meat and let it rest for 30 minutes.

   Tip: Massaging the marinade into the pork by hand helps the flavors penetrate deeper.
6. 6Stir-fry the pork

   

   Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and stir-fry until it begins to brown and the fat renders.

   Tip: Keep the pan hot to ensure the pork develops a nice sear.
7. 7Simmer with Aromatics

   

   Add half a bowl of water to the pan with the browned pork. Stir in the sliced onions, carrots, and green peppers, cover the pan, and simmer for two minutes until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are tender-crisp.

   Tip: Adding water creates a moist environment that helps cook the pork evenly and prevents the sauce from burning during the final stage.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions