Maekjeok (Korean Doenjang Marinated Pork)
A recipe for Maekjeok (Korean Doenjang Marinated Pork)! Thin slices of pork are marinated in a doenjang-based sauce, grilled until tender, and paired with seasoned garlic chives.
Servings 4 Servings
Ingredients
Maekjeok:
- 2 tablespoons (35 grams) doenjang Korean soybean paste
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) rice syrup or honey
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) rice wine
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sesame oil
- 1/2 small onion peeled and minced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound (450 grams) pork neck or shoulder cut into 1/4 inch (6 millimeter) thick slices
Garlic Chives:
- 4 ounces (110 grams) garlic chives cut into 3 inch (7.5 centimeter) pieces
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Ground toasted sesame seeds optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the doenjang, rice syrup, rice wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, onion, garlic, ginger, and pepper. Add the pork, tossing to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, add the garlic chives and toss with the sesame oil and salt. Set aside.
- Place a grill pan over medium heat and grease with oil.
- Arrange the pork in batches in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd and cook until golden, about 2 minutes, then flip and cook the other side, another 2 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Repeat with remaining pork.
- Serve the pork hot from the grill with the seasoned garlic chives. If desired, top with a sprinkling of ground sesame seeds.