Hearty and Flavorful Pork Jjageuri Recipe
Pork Jjageuri: Savor the Deep Flavors of Chungcheongdo’s Traditional Stew!
What is Jjageuri? Jjageuri is a stew made by seasoning pork and simmering it with vegetables like potatoes and onions until it has a rich, slightly thickened consistency. It’s a signature regional dish from the Chungcheongdo province, known for its profoundly savory and satisfying taste that pairs perfectly with rice. This hearty stew is ideal for a comforting and filling meal, especially on cooler days.
Main Ingredients- 1 medium Onion
- 1/2 Zucchini or Yellow Squash
- 600g Pork (such as neck or shoulder), cut into bite-sized pieces
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Chop the onion coarsely or into large pieces. Avoid slicing too thinly, as they can become mushy during simmering. Slightly thicker pieces will retain a pleasant texture.
Step 2
Cut the zucchini or yellow squash into bite-sized cubes, similar in size to the onion pieces (about 1.5-2 cm). If the seeds are prominent, you can scoop some of them out.
Step 3
Cut the pork into 2-3 cm cubes. Pat dry any excess moisture with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and a pinch of black pepper (optional) for enhanced flavor and to reduce any gamey odor.
Step 4
Heat a pot over medium-high heat with a little cooking oil. Add the minced garlic and the seasoned pork. Stir-fry until the pork is no longer pink and begins to brown slightly. Adding 1 tsp of cheongju (or mirin) at this stage helps to eliminate any pork odor.
Step 5
Once the pork is partially cooked, add the chopped onion and zucchini. Stir-fry together for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften slightly. This process helps to meld the flavors.
Step 6
Pour in the 500ml of water or broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low to allow it to simmer.
Step 7
While the stew is simmering, combine the gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, doenjang, and salt in a small bowl to make the jjageuri seasoning paste. Once the stew is boiling, add the prepared seasoning paste and stir well to dissolve. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the ingredients to become tender and the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. For an extra spicy kick, you can add finely chopped Korean green chili peppers during the last few minutes of simmering.
