Spicy Pork and Kimchi Stir-Fry (Duruchigi)
Pork Duruchigi, Kimchi Duruchigi, Pork Jjageuli, Spicy Pork Dish, Home-style Meal
A savory and spicy pork and kimchi stir-fry that will tantalize your taste buds! The harmony of the rich broth, tender pork, and crisp kimchi is incredibly satisfying and perfect with rice. This easy and simple recipe makes a special treat that the whole family can enjoy.
Main Ingredients- 500g Pork Shoulder (recommended to use a cut with some fat)
- 1/4 Head of Kimchi (well-fermented, sour kimchi)
- 1/2 Onion
- 2 Green Onions (Scallions)
- 2 Korean Green Chilies (optional)
- 500ml Water
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to spice preference)
- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Ginger Syrup (or minced ginger)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (or cooking wine)
- 1/2 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- A pinch of Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to spice preference)
- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Ginger Syrup (or minced ginger)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (or cooking wine)
- 1/2 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- A pinch of Black Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 500g of pork shoulder, which is the main ingredient. Pork shoulder has a good balance of fat that adds flavor when cooked, but you can substitute it with pork hind leg, neck, belly, or thinly sliced pork belly if you prefer. Any cut will result in a delicious dish.
Step 2
In a large bowl, place the pork. Add all the prepared seasoning ingredients: 1 Tbsp sugar, 3 Tbsp gochugaru, 2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 tsp ginger syrup (or minced ginger), 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp mirin, 1/2 Tbsp doenjang, and a pinch of black pepper. Gently mix with your hands to ensure the marinade evenly coats the meat. Let the pork marinate for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen.
Step 3
Chop about 1/4 head of kimchi into bite-sized pieces. The quality of your kimchi is key to the flavor of the duruchigi, so using well-fermented, sour kimchi will yield a richer taste. If you love kimchi, feel free to add more.
Step 4
Wash 2 green onions and slice them diagonally, about 1 cm thick. These will be used as a garnish, adding color and aroma to the dish.
Step 5
Slice 1/2 an onion into thick strips. The onion will add sweetness as it cooks and contribute to a refreshing broth.
Step 6
Slice 2 Korean green chilies diagonally. If you enjoy spicy food, keep them in. However, if you’re sensitive to heat or cooking for children, you can omit them.
Step 7
Place the marinated pork in a wok or a deep pan. Stir-fry over high heat until the pork is about 70-80% cooked. Since you’ll be adding water and simmering later, it doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage. The goal is to sear the outside of the meat to lock in the juices.
Step 8
Once the pork is about 70-80% cooked, pour in 500ml of water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Simmering the pork in water like this allows its flavors to infuse into the broth, creating a deeper taste.
Step 9
After the water starts boiling, add the chopped kimchi and simmer together. Cook over medium heat until the kimchi is tender and the broth is reduced to a desirable consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with a little more soy sauce or salt if needed.
Step 10
Tip: For an appealing presentation, transfer the cooked duruchigi from the wok or pan into a nice earthenware pot (ttukbaegi). If you don’t have one, serving it directly from the wok or pot is perfectly fine and still delicious.
Step 11
Finally, arrange the sliced onions, green onions, and Korean green chilies on top of the duruchigi as a garnish. Simmer for a little longer until everything is heated through. The vegetables will add a subtle sweetness and aroma, enhancing the overall flavor.
Step 12
The finished pork and kimchi duruchigi, generously filled with pork, has an appealing, reduced broth. It’s less soupy than a stew but more brothy than a stir-fry, offering a wonderfully moist texture. It’s incredibly delicious mixed with rice or served in lettuce wraps.
