Hearty Korean Pork & Veggie Stew: A Flavor Explosion!
Hey lovelies! OMG, I just whipped up the cutest and most flavorful Korean pork stew ever, and I'm super excited to share it with you all! Grab your apron, your fave mug of tea, and let's get cookin’ with some serious sizzle and spice 😘✨.
Ingredients
- Pork: 150g
- Zucchini (애호박): 1/2 piece
- Potato (감자): 1 piece
- Onion (양파): 1/2 piece
- Green Onion (대파): 1/2 piece
- Shiitake Mushroom (표고버섯): 1 piece
- Cheongyang Chili (청양고추): 1 piece
- Tofu (두부): 1 block
Seasonings:
- Gochujang (고추장): 1 tablespoon
- Minced Garlic (다진 마늘): 1 tablespoon
- Fermented Shrimp (새우젓): 1 tablespoon
- Korean Red Chili Powder (고춧가루): 2 tablespoons
- Soup Soy Sauce (국간장): 1 tablespoon
- Flower Salt (꽃소금): 1/2 tablespoon
- Ground Pepper (후춧가루): a pinch
- Water: 1L
Prepping the Veggies Like a Pro
First off, let’s get those fresh veggies ready:
- Zucchini (애호박): Slice it in half, then cut into fun edge and triangle shapes for a cute twist.
- Onion: Cut horizontally into 2 long halves, then slice each half vertically into 4 pieces.
- Green Onion (대파): Chop into thick, hearty chunks—keeping that lovely crunch intact!
- Shiitake Mushrooms: Remove the stems and cut into bite-sized pieces so they soak up all the yumminess.
- Cheongyang Chili: Slice these spicy darlings into thin rounds (about 0.5cm thick) to add that extra kick.
Cooking the Pork to Perfection
Now, onto the star of our dish—the pork!
- Sizzle Time: In a large pot, heat some cooking oil over high heat. Toss in the pork and stir-fry until the exterior turns a lovely white.
- Flavor Boost: Once the pork is just right, lower the heat and mix in a dash of shrimp sauce (or your favorite liquid seasoning) to infuse it with savory goodness.
Building Rich, Spicy Layers of Flavor
This is where the magic happens:
- Gochujang & Simmering: Add gochujang to the pork and stir-fry until the moisture evaporates and the oil begins to splatter—this step intensifies the flavor! Pour in about 1/4 cup of water, letting the meat absorb all that spicy, tangy goodness. Repeat this simmering process 2-3 times for an extra flavor punch.
- Red Pepper Powder: Once most of the moisture is gone, sprinkle in some gochugaru (Korean red chili powder) and give it another stir-fry mix to ensure everything blends beautifully.
- Liquid Magic: When the moisture is nearly gone, add the remaining water along with soup soy sauce and a pinch of flower salt. Crank up the heat to high and bring everything to a boil, ensuring the pork is perfectly seasoned.
Adding Veggies, Tofu, and Final Touches
Now it’s time to bring in the fresh flavors:
- Toss in your prepped zucchini, onion, shiitake mushrooms, green onion, Cheongyang chili, and tofu. Let it all boil over high heat for about 3 minutes—this keeps the veggies crisp yet tender.
- For that final burst of aroma, add a generous spoonful of minced garlic at the very end. (Pro tip: If you’re not a fan of garlic’s punchy vibe, you can mix it in during the seasoning step instead.)
Cook Tip Corner
Here’s a little secret for extra flavor:
- Pork Fat Magic: Frying the pork in oil first and then cooking the gochujang in that very pork fat helps release a ton of flavor. This process not only deepens the taste but also gives the stew that irresistible, savory richness.
- Adjust Your Timing: Remember, every stove is different! Keep an eye on your veggies—they might need a tad more or less time depending on your heat.
Pretty's Subjective Thoughts!
OMG, I seriously can’t get over how amazing this stew turned out! The spicy, savory pork mixed with fresh veggies is just the comfort food my soul needed. Every bite felt like a warm hug on a chilly day, and that hint of garlic? Pure perfection! If you're into bold flavors and cozy meals, you’ve got to try this recipe ASAP. Trust me, it's a game-changer 😍💕
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