Fiery Pork Stew

Fiery Pork Stew is a dish that brings a warm, spicy kick to your dinner table. I first came across this recipe during a chilly fall evening when I was craving something hearty and comforting. The Fiery Pork Stew seemed like the perfect choice—packed with tender pork and spices that promise a bold flavor. It’s the kind of stew that makes your taste buds tingle and leaves you reaching for a second bowl. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, Fiery Pork Stew is a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand.

The Perfect Balance of Spice

What really makes Fiery Pork Stew stand out is its perfect balance of heat and flavor. The spices—cumin, chili powder, and a touch of cayenne—work together to give the pork a rich, spicy taste that’s not overpowering. It’s spicy, but in a way that’s inviting, not overwhelming. The slow cooking process makes the pork super tender, soaking up all the flavors. I’ve made this stew a few times, and each time, it’s the same: a comforting, bold dish that’s packed with layers of spice.

A Simple Yet Flavorful Recipe

The beauty of Fiery Pork Stew is that it’s simple to make. With just a few ingredients like onions, garlic, tomatoes, and some chili peppers, you get a stew that’s both flavorful and filling. The pork is the star of the show, soaking up the heat from the spices and becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender. As it simmers, the stew fills your kitchen with the most delicious smell, making it hard to wait for that first bite. When you finally do dig in, it’s hard not to smile at how well everything comes together.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Fiery Pork Stew is the kind of dish that works for almost any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight meal, a weekend gathering, or even a chilly Sunday afternoon, it’s always a hit. It pairs perfectly with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up all the flavorful broth. It’s a dish that warms you from the inside out and brings a bit of heat to your day. I never get tired of making Fiery Pork Stew—it’s just one of those meals that feels like home.

Chef’s Notes- Fiery Pork Stew

• Marinate for Flavor: If you have extra time, marinate the pork and vegetables for 30 minutes to allow the seasoning paste to deeply infuse the flavors. This will make the stew even more flavorful. However, if you’re short on time, 10 minutes will still work well.
• Tofu Handling: Tofu is delicate, so be sure to add it towards the end of cooking. This will prevent it from breaking apart in the stew. For firmer tofu, press it lightly before cubing to remove excess moisture.
• Adjust Heat Levels: The amount of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) and gochujang (Korean chili paste) can be adjusted to suit your spice preference. For a milder stew, reduce these ingredients by half.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots. These will add texture and nutrition to the stew without overpowering the flavors.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the stew with steamed white rice or a side of kimchi. A small bowl of pickled radish can also complement the stew’s heat and flavors.
• Fish Sauce Alternative: If you’re not keen on the strong flavor of fish sauce, you can substitute with soy sauce or even tamari for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Consistency Adjustment: If you prefer a thicker broth, let the stew simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, for a thinner broth, add more water as it cooks.

Fiery Pork Stew

Recipe by Kimmy

Course: Main Course, Side DishCuisine: KoreanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

Resting Time

5

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

Ignite your taste buds with this Authentic Korean Fiery Pork Stew! Bursting with bold flavors and a delightful heat, this hearty stew combines tender pork belly with savory vegetables and a spicy seasoning paste. Perfect for any season, it’s a comforting dish that brings excitement to your dinner table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Dive into the vibrant world of Korean cuisine and savor every spicy, savory bite!

Ingredients

• Proteins

• 1 pound sliced pork belly or shoulder

• 8 ounces firm tofu, cubed

• Vegetables

• 8 ounces peeled and chunked onion

• 4 ounces peeled and diced potato

• 3 sliced green onions

• 1 sliced green chili pepper

• Seasoning Paste

• 7 minced garlic cloves

• 1 teaspoon minced peeled ginger

• 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean red chili paste)

• 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)

• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• Liquids

• 3 1/2 cups water

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Pork: Substitute with beef or chicken for different protein options.

• Gochujang: Use sambal oelek for heat if unavailable.

• Tofu: Replace with tempeh for a firmer texture.

• Fish Sauce: Use soy sauce for a vegetarian alternative.

• Potato: Sweet potato can be used for a hint of sweetness.

Directions

• Prepare Seasoning Paste: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the minced garlic, grated ginger, gochujang, gochugaru, toasted sesame oil, and ground black pepper. Let the vibrant mixture meld its flavors while you prepare the other ingredients. (Approx. 5 minutes)
• Marinate Pork and Vegetables: In a medium pot, add the sliced pork, chopped onions, and diced potatoes. Incorporate the seasoning paste by hand, ensuring every piece is well-coated. For a cleaner process, consider wearing disposable gloves. Allow the mixture to sit and absorb the flavors for 10 to 30 minutes. (Approx. 15 minutes)
• Cook the Stew: Pour in the water, fish sauce, and kosher salt into the pot. Stir everything together, then cover and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Let it cook for about 25 minutes, allowing the pork to become tender and the broth to develop its rich taste. (Approx. 25 minutes)
• Add Final Ingredients: After the initial cooking time, gently stir the stew and add the tofu cubes, sliced green onions, and green chili pepper. Cover the pot again and let it simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together. (Approx. 10 minutes)
• Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Ladle the savory stew into individual bowls and pair it with steaming hot rice for a complete and satisfying meal. (Approx. 5 minutes)

Equipment

• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife
• medium-sized pot
• mixing bowl
• measuring cups and spoons
• stove

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Potassium: 700mg
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 25g
• Vitamin A: 1500IU
• Vitamin C: 15mg
• Calcium: 150mg
• Iron: 3mg

FAQ- Fiery Pork Stew

Can I substitute pork belly with another meat?

Yes, you can substitute pork belly with beef or chicken. Chicken thighs work particularly well, providing tenderness similar to pork belly.

Is this recipe spicy?

Yes, this stew is designed to be spicy. You can adjust the heat level by reducing the amount of gochujang or gochugaru, or by removing the green chili pepper.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the pork with more tofu or tempeh and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce for a fully vegetarian version.

What type of tofu should I use for this recipe?

Use firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture. Soft tofu will break apart too easily in the stew.

How long can I store the leftover stew?

Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a bit of water to adjust the consistency.