Korean Inspired Pork Belly

One of the side effects of processing my own meat is left over odds and ends.  In Uncle T's kitchen nothing goes unused.  Most odds and ends get cut up for stew meat and some get ground.  Pork belly is unique in that the parts cut off to square the belly for bacon have a high percentage of fat.  The amount of fat is too much to use for stew meat and the pieces are too odd shaped for most pork belly recipes.

What happens in my kitchen is that much of the fat is cut off the belly pieces and gets frozen for later use in venison sausage.  The remaining lean and fat gets cut into bite size pieces for this recipe or one similar.  I came on this because I had to buy some pork belly slices from the Asian store to get some pork fat to use in making blood sausage.  I cut the lean out, seasoned it, and did a quick fry in a small skillet and was blown away by the flavor.

If you are in the mood for some Korean inspired food then this meal is for you.

Korean Inspired Pork Belly

1 lb pork belly
1/4 - 1/2 cup coarse Korean pepper powder (Gochugaru)
salt
2 Tbs sesame oil

Cut pork belly into bite size pieces and spread on a plate.  Sprinkle with salt, a couple of good pinches, and the Gochugaru according to desired spiciness level.  Mix the meat to ensure even coating.  Heat the sesame oil in a skillet.  When hot add the seasoned pork belly.  Stirring often, quick fry the pork belly until done.  Serve and enjoy.

Seasoned pork belly ready to fry

We tend to do this for a simple meal and serve it with rice and Kimchi.  Since I make my own Kimchi, (posted 9 July 15) we always have some on hand.  This meal can be on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Pork belly with rice and Kimchi

I know this is a short post but you can't really elaborate on simple goodness.  Give pork belly a try.  If you don't want the spiciness of Korean pepper then used your preferred spice blend.  Due to the popularity of bacon green pork bellies now cost a bit more than they used to but they are still a good treat on the supper table.

Uncle T