Braised Pork Shoulder with Aged Kimchi: A Deep and Savory Rice Thief
Braised Pork Shoulder with Aged Kimchi Recipe
Generously add lean pork shoulder, known for its low fat content, to well-fermented aged kimchi and braise it to perfection. This dish offers a deep, savory flavor that makes it a true ‘rice thief’!
Main Ingredients
- ½ head of well-fermented aged napa cabbage kimchi (Muk-eunji)
- 600g pork shoulder cut
- 1 onion
- 1 green onion (scallion)
- 2 Korean green chili peppers (Cheongyang chili peppers)
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1-2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (Gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup or oligosaccharide
- A pinch of sugar
- A pinch of black pepper
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine or mirin (Senggang-sul/Cheongju)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds
- 1-2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (Gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup or oligosaccharide
- A pinch of sugar
- A pinch of black pepper
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine or mirin (Senggang-sul/Cheongju)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Chop the aged kimchi into bite-sized pieces, approximately 5cm. Cut the pork shoulder into similarly generous chunks. Place the chopped kimchi and pork shoulder into a pot. Add enough water to just cover the ingredients. Add all the prepared seasoning ingredients (red pepper flakes, minced garlic, soy sauce, corn syrup, sugar, black pepper, cooking wine) and bring to a rolling boil over high heat for 15-20 minutes.
Step 2
While the braising happens, thickly slice the onion and cut the green onion diagonally. Slice the Cheongyang chili peppers diagonally to add a touch of spiciness.
Step 3
After simmering for 15-20 minutes and the liquid has reduced somewhat, add the sliced onion, green onion, and Cheongyang chili peppers to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the sweetness of the vegetables and the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste the broth during cooking and adjust seasoning as needed; add more soy sauce or salt if it’s bland, or a little water if it’s too salty.
Step 4
Once all the ingredients are tender and the sauce has reached your desired consistency, turn off the heat. Finally, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Give it a gentle stir, and your delicious Braised Pork Shoulder with Aged Kimchi is ready!
Step 5
The pork shoulder, being lean, might seem a bit dry. However, when eaten wrapped with the well-braised, spicy kimchi, or mixed with rice, it’s incredibly tender and flavorful. The umami of the aged kimchi and the savory pork create a harmonious dish that’s a favorite for all ages.
