Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Pork Belly (Jeyuk Bokkeum)
A beloved Korean comfort dish featuring tender pork belly glazed in a bold, sweet, and spicy red chili sauce, stir-fried with crisp bell peppers and onions.
Jeyuk Bokkeum, or Korean spicy stir-fried pork, is a staple of home cooking that balances intense, fiery heat with a subtle, savory sweetness. The use of a carbonated drink in the marinade is a clever secret for tenderizing the meat and creating a glossy, perfectly caramelized sauce. Best served steaming hot over a bowl of fluffy white rice, it is the ultimate quick-fix meal that satisfies every craving for bold, authentic Korean flavors.
Ingredients
- 500 g pork belly
- 2 tbsp Korean chili paste (gochujang)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp Sprite
- 1 unit green bell pepper
- 0.5 unit purple onion
- 1 tsp white sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1Prepare the spicy sauce
In a small gold-colored bowl, combine the Korean chili paste, soy sauce, sugar, chili powder, minced garlic, and a splash of Sprite. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a smooth, savory-sweet red sauce.
Tip: Using a carbonated drink like Sprite adds a subtle sweetness and helps tenderize the meat, balancing the bold spices. - 2Sear the pork belly
Place the raw pork belly slices into a hot pan. Do not add any oil, as the pork will release its own fat. Fry the meat until the fat renders out and the edges begin to develop a slight char. Once browned, discard any excess rendered fat from the pan.
Tip: Make sure the pan is sufficiently hot before adding the pork to ensure a good sear and proper fat rendering. - 3Add the vegetables
Add the prepared slices of green bell pepper and purple onion into the pan with the seared pork belly. These vegetables add crunch, color, and a fresh sweetness that complements the spicy pork.
Tip: Keep the bell peppers and onions in larger strips so they maintain a nice texture during the stir-frying process. - 4Pour in the sauce
Pour the previously prepared red sauce directly into the pan over the pork belly and vegetables. This will form the base for the stir-fry, coating all ingredients in the rich, spicy flavor profile.
Tip: Ensure the heat is at a medium level when adding the sauce to prevent the sugar in the sauce from burning too quickly. - 5Stir-fry until finished
Using kitchen tongs, stir the pork belly, vegetables, and sauce together continuously. Continue stir-frying until the vegetables are tender-crisp and every piece of meat is evenly coated in the thick, flavorful sauce. Serve hot.
Tip: Sprinkle with white sesame seeds before serving for added aroma and visual appeal.
