Juicy and Tender Boiled Pork Belly (Suyuk)
Make Delicious Suyuk at Home: Moist and Flavorful
Perfect for special occasions or any ordinary day, this Suyuk is incredibly tender and juicy. It boasts a clean flavor profile with no gamey smell, making it a delightful accompaniment to fresh vegetables or a hearty kimchi stew.
Main Ingredients- Pork belly or shoulder cut (for 2 servings, approx. 400-500g)
- Bay leaves 4-5 pieces
- Onion 1/4
- Doenjang (Korean soybean paste) 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 1/2 Tbsp
- Salt 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare about 2 servings (approximately 400-500g) of pork. The recipe uses pork shoulder, but you can substitute with pork belly if you prefer a richer, fattier texture. Aim for a cut that’s about 2-3 cm thick.
Step 2
To ensure the pork is extra tender and juicy, we need to remove any excess blood. In a bowl, mix 2 cups of water with 1/2 Tbsp of sugar and 1 Tbsp of salt until fully dissolved. This step helps to tenderize the meat and allows flavors to penetrate deeper.
Step 3
Submerge the prepared pork in the salted sugar water and let it soak for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will significantly improve the tenderness. Soaking also helps to reduce any gamey odors from the meat.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the aromatics to eliminate any unwanted smells during cooking. In a pot large enough to hold the pork, add enough water to cover it. Then, add 1 Tbsp of doenjang (Korean soybean paste), 4-5 bay leaves, and 1/4 of an onion. The bay leaves add a wonderful aroma, doenjang neutralizes any pork odor, and the onion contributes a subtle sweetness. (Feel free to add ginger, whole peppercorns, or even a bit of coffee for extra depth of flavor.)
Step 5
Once the water with aromatics comes to a boil, carefully place the soaked pork into the pot. Let it simmer gently over medium-low heat for about 30-40 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat. The pork is cooked when a skewer inserted into the thickest part comes out with clear juices. Remove the cooked pork, let it cool slightly for a few minutes, and then slice it into bite-sized pieces, about 1-1.5 cm thick.
Step 6
Arrange the sliced Suyuk attractively on a serving plate. Prepare accompaniments such as thinly sliced garlic, green or red chilies, and ssamjang (a Korean dipping sauce). Enjoy by wrapping the Suyuk in fresh lettuce or perilla leaves with your favorite seasonings. It’s also absolutely delicious served alongside a spicy kimchi stew or a tangy radish kimchi! This recipe guarantees a delightful meal.
