Savory Stir-Fried Pork Belly and Bean Sprouts with Oyster Sauce
A Delicious Dinner Idea: Flavorful Stir-Fried Pork Belly and Bean Sprouts Recipe with a Rich Oyster Sauce
Stir-frying tender pork belly with crisp bean sprouts creates an incredibly delicious dish that’s bursting with flavor. This recipe is simple yet impressive, perfect for a satisfying dinner or a delightful appetizer.
Ingredients- 150g Pork Belly, sliced (thickness adjustable to preference)
- 2 handfuls Bean Sprouts (approx. 200g, fresh ones recommended)
- 1 handful Green Onion, finely chopped (mostly the white parts)
- 3 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, for heat)
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce (for umami richness)
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (or soy sauce as a substitute)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for nutty aroma and shine)
- A pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the bean sprouts. Trim off the ends and remove any hulls from the tops for a better texture. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. After washing, drain them well in a colander. Excess water can make the stir-fry soggy.
Step 2
Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces. You can cut it thinly for a chewier texture, or use pre-sliced pork belly (like Korean ‘daepae samgyeopsal’) for convenience.
Step 3
Heat a wok or a deep skillet over medium-low heat and add 3 tablespoons of cooking oil. Add the finely chopped green onions and stir-fry gently until they become fragrant and softened, releasing their aromatic oils. This process creates ‘pa-gi-reum’ (scallion oil), which forms the flavor base for the dish.
Step 4
Once the scallion oil is fragrant and well-infused, add the sliced pork belly to the pan. Increase the heat to medium and stir-fry until the pork belly is cooked through and nicely browned. Break apart any clumps with your spatula or chopsticks to ensure even cooking.
Step 5
When the pork belly is almost cooked and looks golden brown, add the prepared bean sprouts to the pan. Continue stir-frying over medium heat, tossing them with the pork. The bean sprouts will start to soften while retaining some of their signature crispness.
Step 6
Sprinkle in 1.5 tablespoons of gochugaru and stir well to coat all the ingredients. Cook until the bean sprouts are tender but still slightly crisp, being careful not to burn the chili flakes. Stir constantly to prevent sticking.
Step 7
As the bean sprouts cook and release their fresh aroma, it’s time to season. Add 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce for a boost of savory, umami flavor. Stir everything together to ensure the sauce evenly coats the pork and bean sprouts.
Step 8
Next, add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce for additional depth of flavor. If you don’t have fish sauce, soy sauce can be used as a substitute. Continue to stir-fry, mixing well, until the flavors meld together. Once the bean sprouts are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly, turn off the heat.
Step 9
Turn off the heat. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over the stir-fry. The residual heat will warm the oil, releasing its nutty fragrance which enhances the overall aroma of the dish.
Step 10
Finally, sprinkle a pinch of toasted sesame seeds over the top for garnish. This completes your delicious Stir-Fried Pork Belly and Bean Sprouts with Oyster Sauce, ready to impress with its glossy, appetizing appearance.
Step 11
Serve hot over rice, or enjoy it as a wrap with fresh perilla leaves or lettuce for an even more delightful meal. Enjoy your cooking!
