Kimchi Pork Stir-fry (제육볶음)

This kimchi pork stir-fry (제육볶음 or jae-yook bok-eum in Korean) can be served over rice or tofu.

Ingredients

Sauce

2 tbsp gochujang (고추장 / spicy red pepper paste)

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp minced garlic

1 tbsp sugar or honey

1 tsp sesame seed oil

1 tsp red pepper flakes*

1 tsp vinegar*

1 tsp black pepper

Recipe

200 grams of samgyupsal (삼겹살 / pork belly)

1/2 cup of kimchi

1/2 onion, chopped

1 tbsp sesame seeds*

1 egg, scrambled or fried*

1 carrot, chopped*

1/2 bell pepper, chopped*

2 Korean green pepper, chopped*

1/2 package of tofu*

1 cup of cooked rice*

Note: Ingredients with an asterisk are optional. Vegetables or fried egg can be added to the dish, which can be served on top of tofu or cooked rice.

1. Mix all the sauce ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl. The amount of red pepper paste can be modified depending on spiciness tolerance.

2. Cut samgyupsal into bite sized pieces and put into the sauce bowl. Combine thoroughly to marinate. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. (Note: 30 minutes seems to be the optimal time for the flavors to combine. But if you're running short on time, 10-15 minutes works pretty well, too.)

3. While you're waiting for the meat to marinade, chop up your kimchi, onion and other vegetables, fry an egg, put your rice in the rice cooker, or boil your tofu. To cook the tofu, bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Add tofu for 4-5 minutes. Remove from hot water and rinse in cold water. Cut into bite-sized pieces.

4. In a wok or pan, stir-fry the pork, onion, kimchi and other vegetables until the pork is thoroughly cooked.

5. Put the stir-fry over rice or tofu and top with sesame seeds.