Tender and Juicy Pork Belly Bossam
A Festive Korean Pork Belly and Pork Tenderloin Boiled Dish for Lunar New Year
This recipe offers a delightfully tender and moist ‘Bossam’ (boiled pork) perfect for festive occasions like Lunar New Year. We’re preparing both fatty pork belly, which makes the meat incredibly juicy and tender (a favorite for my older child!), and lean pork tenderloin, which is soft without being greasy (for my husband who dislikes too much fat). This combination ensures everyone at the table is happy. Served alongside a refreshing, tangy buckwheat noodle salad (Makguksu), it’s an absolute culinary delight! Enjoy this special, homemade meat dish with ease.
Main Ingredients- Pork Belly for Bossam, 1.4kg
- Water, 2L
- Pork Tenderloin, 1 piece (approx. 500g)
Aromatics and Seasoning- Doenjang (fermented soybean paste), 2 Tbsp
- Bay Leaves, 3 leaves
- Doenjang (fermented soybean paste), 2 Tbsp
- Bay Leaves, 3 leaves
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare one piece of pork tenderloin and the pork belly for Bossam. For the pork tenderloin, rinsing away any blood will result in a cleaner taste. Cut the pork belly into manageable portions.
Step 2
In a large pot, add 2L of water. Stir in 2 tablespoons of Doenjang and 3 bay leaves to infuse the water with aroma. Doenjang is excellent for removing any gamey odor from the pork and helps tenderize the meat.
Step 3
Once the water comes to a boil, carefully place the prepared pork belly and pork tenderloin into the pot. Cover with a lid and let it simmer over medium heat for about 40 minutes. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your pork cuts.
Step 4
After boiling for 40 minutes, turn off the heat, keep the lid on, and let the pork steam for an additional 30 minutes. This resting period allows the heat to distribute evenly throughout the meat, making it exceptionally moist and tender.
Step 5
Steaming the pork after boiling, rather than serving it immediately, significantly enhances its tenderness and prevents juices from escaping when sliced. This ensures a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Slice and enjoy while it’s warm!
