Homemade Garaetteok with Spicy Stir-Fried Pork

Ingredients

• 500g (2 cups) Garaetteok (Korean rice cakes) 500g (2 cups) Garaetteok (Korean rice cakes)
• 300g (10.5 oz) pork belly, thinly sliced 300g (10.5 oz) pork belly, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
• Spring onions, chopped, for garnish Spring onions, chopped, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 8g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Soak the Garaetteok in cold water for 30 minutes to soften them.
2. 2.
   In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for a minute until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the pork belly slices and cook until they are browned and crispy.
4. 4.
   Add the onion, carrot, and red bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, mix together the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce over the pork and vegetables in the pan.
6. 6.
   Drain the soaked Garaetteok and add them to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for 5-7 minutes until the rice cakes are heated through and coated in the sauce.
7. 7.
   Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Garaetteok — Soaking the rice cakes in cold water helps to soften them and ensures they cook evenly.
• Gochujang — Adjust the amount of gochujang according to your spice preference. Add more for a spicier dish or reduce for a milder flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To add more vegetables, you can include mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the stir-fry.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the pork with tofu or tempeh.
• If you prefer a less spicy dish, reduce the amount of gochujang or add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top before serving.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Serve with a side of kimchi for an authentic Korean dining experience.

Serving advice

Serve the Garaetteok with Spicy Stir-Fried Pork hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions. It can be enjoyed as a main course or as part of a Korean-inspired feast.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stir-fried Garaetteok on a platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped spring onions on top for an appealing visual contrast.