In Korea, boiled pork belly (Suyuk) is traditionally paired with kimchi and napa cabbage soup during the kimchi-making season. However, living in the U.S., I’ve never had the experience of making kimchi. Making kimchi alone wouldn’t be as exciting, and without a kimchi refrigerator, it just feels a bit over the top. But that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy boiled pork belly. I buy a few slabs of pork belly, portion them out, and prepare them easily whenever I crave them.
Let’s start with the boiled pork belly.
While some might think it’s complicated, it’s actually one of the easiest dishes to make. The only challenging part is the time it takes to cook. Apart from letting it simmer for a while, there’s not much to worry about. If you love meat, this is a recipe you should definitely try!
Ingredients:
- 1 slab of pork belly (about 1.5-2 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon of soybean paste (doenjang)
- A few whole black peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons of cooking wine (or mirin)
- ½ onion, sliced
- ½ leek, cut into large pieces
- A handful of whole garlic cloves
(Note: You can also add soju, beer, or even a bit of coffee for extra flavor, but for today, we’ll keep it simple.)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, place the whole pork belly and add enough water to submerge the meat completely.
- Add the onion, leek, and garlic, ensuring they are also covered with water.
- To remove any odor, add the soybean paste, peppercorns, and cooking wine. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water starts boiling, lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about an hour.
- After an hour, check if the pork belly is tender by gently pressing it with chopsticks. If it’s soft, remove the pork belly from the pot.
- Slice the pork belly into your desired thickness, and the boiled pork belly is ready!
Now, let’s prepare the romaine lettuce to pair with the pork belly.
You can simply serve it with ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce) and fresh romaine leaves, or you can season the lettuce slightly for a more flavorful side dish. It’s easy to make and will add a nice touch to your meal!
Ingredients for Romaine Lettuce:
- 1 head of romaine lettuce
- 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce
- A little bit of plum extract (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of vinegar
- Toasted sesame seeds
(Note: All measurements are based on a standard rice spoon, and you can adjust the seasoning as per your taste.)
Instructions:
- Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized pieces. You can also tear it by hand if you prefer.
- Place the lettuce in a colander to drain any excess water.
- In a mixing bowl, add the lettuce and all the prepared seasoning ingredients. Toss them well until the lettuce is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Once well mixed, your seasoned romaine lettuce is ready to serve!
Now, enjoy your tender boiled pork belly wrapped in the flavorful romaine lettuce for a delicious and simple meal!
Mom's Easy Korean Recipes 
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