1. What is Jeyuk Bokkeum?
Jeyuk Bokkeum (제육볶음) is a popular Korean dish
made by stir-frying thinly sliced pork
in a spicy, savory, and slightly sweet sauce.
The dish is well-loved for its bold flavors,
rich gochujang-based sauce,
and perfect balance of spice and umami.
It is commonly enjoyed with steamed rice, fresh vegetables,
and traditional Korean side dishes (banchan).
2. Ingredients for Authentic Jeyuk Bokkeum
To make Jeyuk Bokkeum,
you will need the following ingredients.
2.1 Main Ingredients
Pork (pork shoulder, pork belly, or pork loin) – 500g
Onion – 1 medium, sliced
Carrot – 1 small, julienned (optional)
Green onions – 2 stalks, chopped
Cabbage – 1 cup, sliced (optional)
2.2 Marinade & Sauce
Gochujang (Korean red chili paste) – 3 tbsp
Gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) – 1 tbsp
Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
Sesame oil – 1 tbsp
Minced garlic – 1 tbsp
Grated ginger – 1 tsp
Honey or sugar – 1 tbsp
Mirin (optional) – 1 tbsp
Black pepper – 1/2 tsp
3. How to Cook Jeyuk Bokkeum
3.1 Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Thinly slice the pork and place it in a bowl.
Chop the vegetables and set them aside.
3.2 Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a bowl,
mix gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sesame oil,
garlic, ginger, honey, and black pepper.Add the pork slices to the marinade and mix well.
Let it sit for at least 30 minutes
(or overnight for deeper flavor).
3.3 Step 3: Stir-fry the Pork
Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
Add a small amount of oil and cook the marinated pork.
Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the pork
is fully cooked and slightly caramelized.Add the sliced onions, carrots, and cabbage,
stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes.Finish with chopped green onions and
a drizzle of sesame oil.
4. Best Side Dishes to Serve with Jeyuk Bokkeum
Steamed white rice
Helps balance the spicy and savory flavors.Kimchi
The acidity enhances the taste of the dish.Lettuce wraps (Ssam)
Wrap the pork in lettuce with ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce).Pickled radish
Adds a refreshing contrast to the dish.Fried egg
A soft egg pairs perfectly with the spicy pork.
5. Health Benefits of Jeyuk Bokkeum
5.1 Rich in Protein
Pork is an excellent source of high-quality protein,
which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
5.2 Packed with Antioxidants
Gochujang and garlic contain antioxidants
that help boost immunity and reduce inflammation.
5.3 Good for Digestion
Fermented ingredients like gochujang and kimchi
promote gut health by providing beneficial probiotics.
6. Tips for the Best Jeyuk Bokkeum
Use well-marbled pork
(like pork shoulder or pork belly)
for the best texture and flavor.Marinate overnight for deeper,
more intense flavors.Adjust the spice level by reducing or
increasing the amount of gochugaru.Add extra vegetables
like mushrooms or bell peppers for more variety.Grill the marinated pork
for a smoky BBQ-style version.
7. Variations of Jeyuk Bokkeum
7.1 Cheese Jeyuk Bokkeum
Melted mozzarella cheese on top of the stir-fried pork
creates a creamy and spicy fusion dish.
7.2 Jeyuk Bokkeum with Udon
Adding udon noodles makes
the dish heartier and more filling.
7.3 Non-Spicy Jeyuk Bokkeum
For a milder version,
reduce or omit the gochugaru and gochujang,
and add soy sauce-based seasoning.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
8.1 Can I make Jeyuk Bokkeum with chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken for pork
to make Dak Bokkeum (spicy stir-fried chicken)
with the same marinade.
8.2 How long does Jeyuk Bokkeum last in the fridge?
Cooked Jeyuk Bokkeum can be stored in
an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
8.3 Can I freeze Jeyuk Bokkeum?
Yes, marinated raw pork can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Thaw it in the fridge before cooking.
By following this guide,
you can easily prepare authentic Jeyuk Bokkeum
at home and enjoy a delicious Korean spicy pork stir-fry
bursting with flavor.
Try this dish today and experience
the rich taste of Korean cuisine!