Tender Boiled Pork Belly with Cola (Swayuk)
How to Boil Pork Belly for Bossam (Swayuk) Deliciously Without Gamey Smells, Using Cola
Discover the secret to incredibly tender and flavorful boiled pork belly (Swayuk) with this easy recipe! By adding cola during the boiling process, you’ll effectively neutralize any gamey odors from the pork and impart a subtle sweetness that balances the savory notes. The cola also helps to caramelize the exterior, giving it a beautiful, appetizing golden-brown hue. This recipe is your key to creating restaurant-quality Swayuk at home, perfect for any occasion!
Main Ingredients- Pork Belly 1kg (choose a thick, well-marbled cut)
- Ginger 1/4 piece (sliced)
- Onion 1/2 (cut into large chunks)
- Green Onion 1 bunch (cut into large pieces, including the root!)
- Garlic 5 cloves (whole)
- Doenjang (Soybean Paste) 2 Tbsp
- Soy Sauce 2 Tbsp
- Cola 200ml (about 1 standard paper cup)
- Whole Peppercorns 1 Tbsp
- Bay Leaves 2
- Plum Extract 1 Tbsp
- Salt 1 Tbsp (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the aromatics for boiling the pork. Peel the ginger and slice it into approximately 0.5cm thick pieces. Cut the green onion into large segments, about 5cm long, using both the white and green parts. Wash the green onion roots thoroughly as they will also be used. Wash the onion well, peel if desired, and cut it into large quarters.
Step 2
In a large pot or deep pan, place the pork belly block. Position it so the fatty side is down and sear over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until lightly golden brown. This step renders some of the fat, enhancing the pork’s flavor, and helps the meat hold its shape better when boiled.
Step 3
Push the seared pork to one side of the pot. Add the prepared sliced ginger, large chunks of onion, and green onion (including the roots) around the pork. Pour in enough cold water to fully submerge the pork belly, approximately 500ml to 700ml.
Step 4
Now it’s time to add the seasonings that will define the flavor of your Swayuk. Add 2 Tbsp of doenjang and 1 Tbsp of salt to the water, stirring well to dissolve any clumps of the soybean paste. Doenjang is excellent for removing any gamey odors from the pork.
Step 5
Next, add 1 Tbsp of whole peppercorns and 2 bay leaves. Peppercorns add aroma, and bay leaves help further neutralize any unwanted smells. Follow this with 200ml of cola for sweetness and color, 2 Tbsp of soy sauce for umami depth, and 1 Tbsp of plum extract for a touch of sweet and sour complexity.
Step 6
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. As it begins to boil, scum and impurities will rise to the surface. Skim these off thoroughly with a spoon. Removing impurities ensures a clean flavor and a more appealing final dish. Once skimmed, reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for at least 30 minutes. Check periodically to prevent sticking.
Step 7
After about 30 minutes, you’ll notice the liquid has reduced. Carefully flip the pork belly to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution. Continue to simmer over medium-low heat for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the pork to cook through completely. The total simmering time should be around 40 to 50 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pork belly.
Step 8
Remove the perfectly boiled pork belly from the pot. While it’s hot and steaming, resist the urge to slice it immediately, as it can crumble and lose juices. Let it rest on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more moist and tender texture.
Step 9
Once slightly cooled, slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces, about 1cm thick. Admire the beautiful, caramelized brown exterior achieved by the cola and soy sauce, and the moist, tender interior. The ease with which it slices hints at its delicious texture. Experience the perfect contrast between the slightly chewy exterior and the succulent inside!
Step 10
Serve your homemade Swayuk with fresh kimchi, crisp lettuce wraps, seasoned soybean paste (ssamjang), garlic slices, and other desired accompaniments for a truly satisfying meal. It’s especially delightful when paired with homemade kimchi or pickled cabbage!
Step 11
Take a large bite with a piece of fresh lettuce, a bit of kimchi, a slice of garlic, and a succulent piece of Swayuk. The explosion of flavors and textures in your mouth is simply divine. This is the taste that makes boiled pork belly so irresistibly delicious!
