Mouthwatering Grilled Pork with Doenjang Marinade (Maejeok-gui)
How to Make Delicious Korean Grilled Pork Belly with a Savory Doenjang Glaze
Experience the delightful savory and slightly sweet flavor of grilled pork (Maejeok-gui) marinated in a rich doenjang (fermented soybean paste) sauce! This dish offers a wonderful balance of tender pork and the pungent, nutty notes of doenjang, complemented by a hint of sweetness. It’s a perfect centerpiece for any meal, from casual dinners to special gatherings.
Main Ingredients- 500g Pork Neck (thick cuts recommended for juicier results)
- 1 bunch of Korean Chives (for a fresh, aromatic touch)
- A little grapeseed oil (for cooking)
- A little sesame oil (for added flavor)
Doenjang Marinade- 1.5 Tbsp Doenjang (fermented soybean paste – the base for savory flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (adds umami)
- 1 Tbsp Oligodang (corn syrup or similar sweetener – for a mild sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp Cheongju (rice wine – to tenderize and remove gamey odors)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic (enhances flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (adds nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for a smooth finish)
- A pinch of Black Pepper (adjust to taste)
Chive Salad Dressing- 0.5 Tbsp Fish Sauce (e.g., anchovy or sand lance – for depth of flavor)
- 1 tsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – for a mild spiciness)
- 1 tsp Vinegar (for a refreshing tang)
- 0.5 tsp Sugar (to balance the flavors)
- 0.5 tsp Sesame Oil (for fragrance)
- 1.5 Tbsp Doenjang (fermented soybean paste – the base for savory flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (adds umami)
- 1 Tbsp Oligodang (corn syrup or similar sweetener – for a mild sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp Cheongju (rice wine – to tenderize and remove gamey odors)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic (enhances flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (adds nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for a smooth finish)
- A pinch of Black Pepper (adjust to taste)
Chive Salad Dressing- 0.5 Tbsp Fish Sauce (e.g., anchovy or sand lance – for depth of flavor)
- 1 tsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – for a mild spiciness)
- 1 tsp Vinegar (for a refreshing tang)
- 0.5 tsp Sugar (to balance the flavors)
- 0.5 tsp Sesame Oil (for fragrance)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by patting the pork neck slices dry with paper towels to remove any excess blood. This crucial step ensures a cleaner flavor and prevents any unwanted gamey taste in your final dish.
Step 2
Score the pork slices lightly with a knife or prick them all over with a fork. This technique helps the marinade penetrate deeply into the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful grilled pork.
Step 3
Prepare the savory doenjang marinade. In a bowl, combine 1.5 Tbsp doenjang, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp oligodang, 1 Tbsp cheongju, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
Step 4
Generously coat the pork slices with the prepared doenjang marinade, ensuring every surface and crevice is covered. Let the pork marinate at room temperature for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5
While the pork is marinating, prepare the Korean chives. Wash them thoroughly under running water and then cut them into segments about 3-4 cm long. In a separate bowl, mix the ingredients for the chive dressing: 0.5 Tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp gochugaru, 1 tsp vinegar, 0.5 tsp sugar, and 0.5 tsp sesame oil. Stir until the dressing is well combined.
Step 6
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add a mix of grapeseed oil and sesame oil (about half and half). Once the pan is hot, carefully place the marinated pork slices onto it. Grill the pork, turning occasionally, until it’s beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Be mindful of the heat to prevent burning.
Step 7
As the pork grills, gently toss the prepared chives with the dressing you made. Mix just enough to coat the chives evenly. Avoid overmixing to maintain their crisp texture.
Step 8
Once the grilled pork is done, slice it into bite-sized pieces. Arrange the hot, savory Maejeok-gui on a serving plate alongside the refreshing, dressed chives. This creates a visually appealing and incredibly delicious dish. Enjoy your homemade Korean grilled pork!
