Are you craving a delicious and satisfying meal that's both quick to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Ground Pork Korean recipe is your answer. It's a simple, healthy dish perfect for busy weeknights, satisfying even the most discerning palates. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade Korean cooking – no takeout required! This recipe is packed with umami goodness and delivers a fantastic balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. It’s one of those easy recipes that's sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Korean gochujang (fermented chili paste)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Stir-fry Aromatics: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the Pork: Add the ground pork to the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
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Build the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and black pepper.
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Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the pork and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the pork is coated evenly.
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Add Bell Peppers: Stir in the sliced red bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the peppers are tender-crisp.
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Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot over a bed of cooked rice.
Cooking Tips for the Best Ground Pork Korean:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When browning the pork, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the pork from browning properly and will result in steaming instead of browning. Work in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a less spicy dish, reduce the amount of gochujang. Conversely, for extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Don't overcook the pork: Overcooked ground pork can be dry and tough. Cook until it's browned and cooked through, but not dry.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe, such as mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, or spinach.
- Protein Swap: Ground chicken or turkey can be substituted for the ground pork.
- Spice it up: For a spicier kick, add a tablespoon or two of sriracha or gochugaru (Korean chili flakes).
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a balanced meal, rich in protein and offering a good source of vitamins and minerals. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the ingredients used and portion sizes. However, a rough estimate per serving could be:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This quick and easy ground pork Korean recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy this delicious dish – a true testament to the power of homemade cooking! It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for a busy weeknight. This recipe showcases the best of Korean flavors in a simple and accessible way, even for those new to the world of food recipes.