Simple Korean-Herbal Pork Belly Boil
[Appa Ttoom Recipe] Super Easy Korean-Herbal Pork Belly Boil with Just 2 Bottles of Ssanghwantang!
Make simple Korean-herbal style boiled pork belly effortlessly using just two bottles of Ssanghwantang, a common herbal tea from pharmacies. Enjoy tender and flavorful pork belly without any gamey smell!
Main Ingredients- 800g Pork Front Leg (Ap-dae-ri-sal)
- 2 Onions
- 2 Bottles of Pharmacy-grade Ssanghwantang
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In a large pot, thinly slice the two onions and spread them evenly across the bottom. This prevents the pork from sticking to the pot and infuses a subtle onion aroma into the meat, making it more delicious.
Step 2
Place the 800g of pork front leg, cleaned and prepared, on top of the layer of onions. Cooking the pork as a whole piece helps to retain its juices, resulting in tender and moist boiled pork.
Step 3
Now for the magical ingredient! Pour the two bottles of Ssanghwantang, purchased from a pharmacy, over the pork. The sweet aroma and traditional herbal ingredients in Ssanghwantang will effectively neutralize any porky odor and add a rich flavor. (You can add up to 3 bottles if you prefer a stronger flavor.)
Step 4
Carefully add enough cold water to cover the pork completely. The water level should just submerge the meat. Now, turn the heat to high and bring it to a boil before proceeding to the next step.
Step 5
Once the water is boiling vigorously, reduce the heat to medium. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes. Cooking at a medium heat allows the pork to cook evenly through while maintaining its tender texture.
Step 6
After 30 minutes, test the pork by inserting a chopstick into the thickest part. If no pink juice comes out, it’s perfectly cooked. If there’s still some juice, continue boiling for another 5-10 minutes. The chopstick should slide in smoothly when the pork is ready!
Step 7
Carefully remove the well-boiled pork from the pot and let it cool slightly to allow the steam to dissipate. It’s best to slice the pork while it’s still warm, rather than letting it cool completely. Transfer the pork to a cutting board and slice it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 8
Arrange the sliced pork beautifully on a serving plate. Serve it with your favorite side dishes like ssamjang (dipping sauce), saeujeot (fermented shrimp), or fresh kimchi salad for a hearty and satisfying meal!
