Maekjeok (Korean Doenjang Marinated Pork)
A recipe for Maekjeok (맥적, Korean Doenjang Marinated Pork)! Thin slices of pork are marinated in a doenjang-based sauce and grilled until tender for an easy and flavor-packed meal.
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 mm) thick slices
Garlic Chives:
- 4 ounces (110 grams) garlic chives cut into 3 inch (7.5 cm) 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.