Spicy Korean Stir-Fried Pork Belly (Jeyuk Bokkeum)

A classic Korean spicy stir-fried pork belly featuring thin slices of meat coated in a sticky, sweet, and fiery chili glaze, cooked fast with fresh aromatics.

Ingredients

• 500 g pork belly, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tbsp starch syrup (mullyeot)
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 green chili, sliced
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the marinade base

   

   Begin by adding soy sauce into a glass mixing bowl. This forms the savory foundation for the pork belly marinade.

   Tip: Use a high-quality brewed soy sauce for the best depth of flavor.
2. 2Add chili paste and sweetener

   

   Incorporate the chili paste and starch syrup into the soy sauce base. The chili paste provides the signature heat, while the starch syrup adds a touch of sweetness and a glossy sheen to the meat.

   Tip: Starch syrup (mullyeot) is perfect for giving the dish a sticky, appetizing glaze.
3. 3Add fresh aromatics

   

   Incorporate the sliced garlic, fresh green chilies, onions, and green onions into the marinade bowl. These ingredients will infuse the pork with fresh, savory flavors.

   Tip: Ensure the onions and garlic are sliced uniformly so they distribute evenly throughout the marinade.
4. 4Marinate the pork belly

   

   Add the thinly sliced raw pork belly pieces into the bowl containing the marinade and aromatics. Ensure every piece is well-coated to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

   Tip: Thinly sliced pork belly cooks quickly, making it ideal for a fast stir-fry.
5. 5Massage the marinade

   

   Using gloved hands, thoroughly mix the pork belly with the marinade and aromatic vegetables until the meat is evenly coated. Proper mixing ensures the flavor is consistent in every bite.

   Tip: Use food-safe gloves to handle the spicy marinade comfortably.
6. 6Heat the sesame oil

   

   Pour sesame oil into a warm pan. This aromatic oil will provide a rich base for stir-frying the spicy pork.

   Tip: Heat the pan over medium heat before adding the oil to ensure even cooking.
7. 7Bloom the chili flakes

   

   Add chili flakes to the heated sesame oil in the pan. Stir-fry briefly to release the spicy aroma and infuse the oil before adding the pork mixture.

   Tip: Be careful not to burn the chili flakes; a few seconds in the hot oil is sufficient.
8. 8Stir-fry the pork belly

   

   Add the marinated pork belly and vegetable mixture into the pan. Stir-fry continuously over medium-high heat until the pork is fully cooked and the vegetables are softened.

   Tip: Ensure the pork is spread evenly in the pan to cook uniformly.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions