Easy Korean Boiled Pork Belly (Bossam)

Make authentic Korean-style boiled pork belly at home effortlessly using a rice cooker, served with fresh lettuce, garlic, kimchi, and a vibrant chili dipping sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 kg pork belly
• 0.5 onion
• 0.5 apple
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 stalks green onion
• 1 tsp peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp Korean soybean paste
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp white sugar
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp white sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp Korean chili paste
• 1 tbsp Korean soybean paste
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• to taste water
• to taste kimchi
• to taste fresh lettuce

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the aromatics

   

   Place cut red onion pieces, half an apple, and peeled raw garlic cloves into a metal bowl to serve as flavor enhancers for the pork belly.

   Tip: Using apples adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory spices.
2. 2Add green onions and spices

   

   Cut fresh green onion directly with scissors into the metal bowl containing the red onion, apple, garlic, peppercorns, and a bay leaf.

   Tip: Scissors offer a quick and convenient way to snip green onions without dirtying a cutting board.
3. 3Add pork belly to the rice cooker

   

   Place raw pork belly strips directly into the stainless steel inner pot of a rice cooker without turning on the heat yet.

   Tip: Using a rice cooker makes cooking tender boiled pork effortless and hands-free.
4. 4Combine aromatics with the meat

   

   Pour the prepared bowl of aromatics, including red onion, apple, garlic, green onion, and a bay leaf, directly over the raw pork belly in the rice cooker.

   Tip: Layering the aromatics around and on top of the meat ensures the flavors infuse deeply during cooking.
5. 5Add Korean soybean paste

   

   Add a spoonful of brown Korean soybean paste onto the ingredients and pork belly inside the pot to impart a rich, savory depth.

   Tip: Korean soybean paste (doenjang) is essential for eliminating gamey odors and giving authentic depth to boiled pork.
6. 6Season with salt

   

   Grind salt over the meat, aromatics, and soybean paste in the pot to enhance all the savory flavors.

   Tip: Adjust the amount of salt carefully since the soybean paste also contributes sodium.
7. 7Add water to the pot

   

   Pour clear water into the rice cooker pot until the liquid level matches the ingredients inside.

   Tip: Do not add too much water; it only needs to be level with the meat.
8. 8Start the rice cooker

   

   Press the button on the digital rice cooker panel to begin the cooking cycle for 45 minutes.

   Tip: Ensure the lid is securely closed before starting the cooker.
9. 9Prepare the sauce base

   

   Place minced garlic, chopped green onions, and white sesame seeds into a small metal pan to build the dipping sauce.

   Tip: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor for the sauce.
10. 10Add Korean pastes

    

    Add a spoonful of dark red Korean chili paste and brown soybean paste into the metal pan containing the garlic and sesame seeds.

    Tip: These pastes form the rich, authentic flavor profile of the dipping sauce.
11. 11Pour water into the sauce

    

    Pour a small amount of liquid or sesame oil and water into the sauce ingredients to help thin and blend the mixture.

    Tip: Mix well so the pastes dissolve evenly into a smooth consistency.
12. 12Mix the dipping sauce

    

    Stir the vibrant red dipping sauce thoroughly with a spoon until completely smooth and well-combined.

    Tip: This sauce cuts through the richness of the pork belly perfectly.
13. 13Remove the cooked pork belly

    

    Carefully lift the tender, cooked pork belly out of the savory soy bean broth using black silicone tongs.

    Tip: Make sure to let the excess broth drip back into the pot before transferring the meat.
14. 14Slice the pork belly

    

    Place the cooled pork belly on a wooden cutting board and use a large knife to slice it into even, thick pieces.

    Tip: Letting the meat cool down before slicing helps keep the pieces intact and prevents them from falling apart.
15. 15Plate the sliced pork

    

    Carefully transfer the freshly sliced pork belly pieces using the blade of the knife and arrange them neatly onto a textured grey plate.

    Tip: Overlap the slices slightly for an appealing presentation.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions