Gamjatang

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Gamjatang (Hearty Korean Pork Bone Soup)

This Gamjatang is rich, comforting, and perfect for cold days. Made with tender pork, potatoes, napa cabbage, and bean sprouts, it’s packed with flavor and nutrition.

For potatoes with a fluffy texture, opt for Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes.

Yukon Gold is especially great for Gamjatang, as it thickens the broth while maintaining a creamy texture.

Yukon gold potatoes are suitable for Gamjatang. Due to its fluffy yet soft texture, the broth becomes a bit thicker. Since it is simmered for a long time, cutting them into large chunks is best.

Russet potatoes are also suitable for Gamjatang. Their texture is similar to Yukon gold, but the thicker skin should be peeled before used.

In this recipe, both bone-in and boneless meats are used, but it can be delicious with just boneless meat. You can easily find boneless meat such as pork shoulder butt at Costco.

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🛒 Ingredients

• 1.25 lb pork (Bone-in butt steak or shoulder butt)

• ½ head napa cabbage

• Bean sprouts

• Green onions (or leeks as a substitute)

• Perilla leaves

📌This ingredient is essential for enhancing aroma and flavor.

• 3 large potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet preferred)

• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)

• 3 tbsp doenjang (fermented soybean paste)

• 1 tbsp minced garlic

• 1 tsp minced ginger

• 2 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red chili powder)

• 2 tbsp perilla seed powder (optional but it adds great aroma and flavor)

• Water

📌What kind of red pepper powder should I purchase?

There are two main types of Korean red pepper powder: coarse and fine.

Make sure to buy the coarse variety. This is the ingredient used for making kimchi and in most Korean recipes.

• Bean Sprouts https://www.sayweee.com/en/product/Soy-Bean-Sprouts/97338?trace_id=c4243320-c687-4725-887b-f8b1029ed499

• Perilla leaves https://www.sayweee.com/en/product/Korean-Perilla-Leaves/97339?trace_id=c4243320-c687-4725-887b-f8b1029ed499

• Red pepper paste (gochujang) https://a.co/d/d94dHOh

• Soybean paste (doenjang) https://a.co/d/7tOVTN8

• Red pepper powder (gochugaru) https://a.co/d/7SuBX7K

• Perilla seed powder https://a.co/d/grtg07v

  
  

• Pressure pot https://amzn.to/40tDpA0

  instant pot https://amzn.to/4grnBUI

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👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe

1. Prepare the pork bones:

Rinse the pork bones thoroughly, then soak in water for 30 minutes to remove excess blood.

📍Sanitize the sink area after handling raw meat.

2. Marinate with ginger:

Drain the pork, pat dry, and rub with 1 tsp minced ginger to remove odor.

3. Blanch the bones:

Blanch the pork bones in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then rinse under running water to remove impurities.

4. Cut the pork into desired sizes for easy serving.

5. Cook the pork:

In an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, add the pork and enough water to cover ⅔ of the meat. Cook for 20 minutes.

6. Prepare the vegetables:

Slice the napa cabbage into large strips and blanch in boiling water with 3 tbsp salt for 3-5 minutes to remove bitterness. Transfer to ice water, then squeeze out excess moisture.

7.Slice green onions on the diagonal, cut perilla leaves into thin strips, and rinse the bean sprouts.

8. Prepare the potatoes:

Peel the potatoes and cut them into large chunks to withstand the long cooking time.

9. Make the sauce:

Mix 1 tbsp gochujang, 3 tbsp doenjang, 1 tbsp minced garlic, 1 tsp minced ginger, and 2 tbsp gochugaru with a small amount of broth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

10. Assemble the soup:

In a large pot, add the pork, water (enough to cover ⅔ of the ingredients), 1-2 broth cubes, blanched cabbage, potatoes, and the prepared sauce. Simmer until the potatoes are tender.

11. Add final touches:

Add the bean sprouts, green onions, perilla leaves, and perilla seed powder. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until the flavors meld together.

12. Make the dipping sauce:

Combine soy sauce (2 tbsp), vinegar (2 tbsp), sugar (1 tbsp), and spicy mustard (1 tsp) for a tangy dipping sauce.

📌 Cooking Tips

• Substitute green onions with leeks: Use the outer layers for stew like this dish and the tender inner parts for garnish.

Enjoy this savory and nutritious Gamjatang with your family! 🍲