Perfect Boiled Pork Belly (Suyuk): Tender and Odor-Free
How to Boil Pork Belly (Suyuk) for an Incredibly Delicious Meal
I have some fresh pork belly, so today I’ll be sharing how to boil it for a tender, flavorful Suyuk right at home. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or family gatherings.
Ingredients- Pork belly for boiling, 1 piece (approx. 500g-700g)
- Sliced ginger, 1 piece
- Doenjang (Korean soybean paste), 2 Tbsp
- Whole peppercorns, 1/2 Tbsp
- Cheongju (or cooking wine), 2 ‘twirls’ (approx. 60ml)
- Onion, 1 large (cut into large chunks)
- Scallions, 2 stalks (cut into large pieces)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare a pot large enough to hold the pork belly and plenty of water. Once the water comes to a boil, add aromatics and vegetables to remove any gamey odor and infuse wonderful flavor. Add 1 piece of sliced ginger, 2 Tbsp of doenjang, 1/2 Tbsp of whole peppercorns, 2 ‘twirls’ (about 60ml) of Cheongju, 1 large onion cut into chunks, and 2 large scallions cut into pieces. Adding a generous amount of these ingredients will effectively eliminate any porky smell and add depth to the broth.
Step 2
Now, place the whole piece of pork belly into the prepared boiling broth. Ensure your pot is spacious enough to prevent overflow as it boils and allows the meat to cook evenly. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently. This slow simmering process is key to achieving tender meat.
Step 3
Simmer for about 1 hour. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness and cut of the pork. After about an hour, test for doneness by inserting a chopstick or skewer into the thickest part of the meat. If it glides in smoothly with no resistance and no pink liquid comes out, it’s ready. Continue simmering until the chopstick can be inserted effortlessly, ensuring the pork is exceptionally tender and practically melts in your mouth.
Step 4
Once perfectly boiled, remove the Suyuk from the pot and slice it into your desired serving portions. Serve warm with kimchi, ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce), saewoojeot (fermented shrimp sauce), and fresh lettuce wraps for an unforgettable meal. Enjoy the incredibly tender texture and rich flavor!
