Spicy and Sweet Pork Bulgogi with Scallions
How to Make Delicious Pork Bulgogi with Scallions
A simple and savory pork bulgogi with a spicy and sweet kick. This recipe features tender pork marinated in a flavorful sauce and stir-fried with crisp scallions, creating a delightful balance of tastes and textures.
Main Ingredients- 1 lb (about 450g) pork shoulder or belly, thinly sliced
- 1/2 medium onion, roughly chopped
- 1 large scallion (green onion), roughly chopped
Blended Vegetables for Marinade- 5-6 cloves garlic
- 1/4 medium onion (for blending)
- 5-6 cloves garlic
- 1/4 medium onion (for blending)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables for blending. Roughly chop 5-6 cloves of garlic and 1/4 medium onion. Add a small portion (about 1/4) of the white part of the large scallion to the blender as well. Blend these ingredients until finely pureed. A slightly coarse texture is also fine and can add a nice bite.
Step 2
In a bowl, combine the blended vegetables with the marinade sauce ingredients. Add 6 Tbsp soy sauce, 4 Tbsp water, 1 Tbsp plum extract (or substitute with honey or sugar), 2 Tbsp corn syrup (or substitute with honey or sugar), a pinch of black pepper, and 1 Tbsp sesame oil. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to create a delicious marinade.
Step 3
Place the thinly sliced pork (about 1 lb or 450g) into a bowl. Pour about half of the prepared marinade over the pork and mix well with your hands, ensuring each slice is coated. Set aside the remaining half of the marinade for later use during cooking. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the pork marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat beautifully.
Step 4
While the pork is marinating, prepare the scallions. Take the remaining 3/4 of the large scallion and slice it thinly into julienne strips (scallion threads). Using a mandoline or a sharp knife will help achieve uniform and delicate cuts. Briefly soaking the julienned scallions in cold water can enhance their crispness; drain them well before use.
Step 5
Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork to the hot pan, breaking it apart with chopsticks or a spatula to prevent clumping. Stir-fry until the pork is about 80% cooked. Then, add the prepared scallion threads to the pan and stir-fry quickly for just about 30-60 seconds. Overcooking the scallions will make them wilt and lose their crispness, so a brief cook is key. Finally, add the reserved marinade and stir-fry over high heat for another minute until the sauce is glossy and coats the pork. Your delicious pork bulgogi with scallions is now ready to serve!
