Spicy Korean Stir-Fried Pork Belly
Squid (Ojingeo Samgyeopsal Bokkeum)
A beloved Korean stir-fry featuring succulent pork belly and tender squid tossed in a glossy, spicy gochujang sauce with earthy mushrooms and crisp vegetables.
This popular Korean dish, often called Ojingeo Samgyeopsal Bokkeum, is a masterclass in texture and heat. The combination of rich pork belly and delicate, chewy squid creates a satisfying contrast, while a spicy gochujang-based sauce ties the components together. Often enjoyed with a cold drink, it is a quintessential example of hearty, flavorful Korean comfort food.
Ingredients
- 300 g pork belly
- 200 g squid
- 1 king oyster mushroom
- 1/2 carrot
- 1/2 onion
- 2 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp corn syrup
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 stalk green onion
- 1 tsp black sesame seeds
- to taste perilla leaves
Instructions
- 1Prepare the marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, corn syrup, black pepper, minced garlic, black sesame seeds, chili powder, and a splash of water. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated into a uniform sauce.
Tip: Ensure the gochujang is fully dissolved in the liquid ingredients for a smooth, consistent marinade. - 2Slice the pork belly
Place the pork belly block on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the meat into thick, uniform pieces, ready for marinating.
Tip: Using a sharp knife makes it easier to cut through the fatty layers of the pork belly cleanly. - 3Prepare the mushrooms
Trim the base of the king oyster mushrooms if necessary, then slice them into bite-sized pieces. Prepare the carrots and onions in a similar manner to ensure even cooking.
Tip: Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the marinade consistently. - 4Cook the stir-fry
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the marinated pork belly, squid, and vegetable mixture into the pan to begin cooking.
Tip: Make sure the pan is sufficiently hot before adding the ingredients to ensure a good sear on the pork belly. - 5Simmer the dish
Once all ingredients are in the pan, place a glass lid over it. Allow the stir-fry to simmer for approximately 15 minutes, ensuring the meat is fully cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
Tip: Keep the lid on to trap the heat and moisture, which helps cook the thicker pieces of pork belly evenly. - 6Serve and enjoy
To serve, take a fresh perilla leaf and place a piece of the cooked pork belly and a piece of squid onto it using chopsticks. Wrap the leaf around the meat and enjoy the combination.
Tip: Perilla leaves add a distinct, refreshing aroma that balances the savory, spicy richness of the pork and squid. - 7Marinate the ingredients
Add the sliced pork belly, carrots, onions, and king oyster mushrooms into a large bowl with the prepared spicy sauce mixture. Add the chopped green onions, then mix everything thoroughly and let it marinate for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the ingredients.
Tip: Using your hands or a spoon to mix ensures the sauce coats every piece of vegetable and meat evenly for better flavor development.
