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Korean-Inspired Banana Milk Braised Pork

The Ultimate Guide to Korean Inspired Banana Milk Braised Pork

  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

At its heart, Korean inspired banana milk braised pork is a modern take on traditional Korean meat dishes like Galbi-jjim or Bossam. Typically, Korean meat preparations rely on fruit sugars—often from grated Korean pears or apples—to tenderize the protein and provide a subtle sweetness. This recipe takes that concept a step further by utilizing the unique properties of banana milk.

Ingredients

Scale

Pork

  • 1–1.2 kg (2–2½ lb) pork belly or pork shoulder, cut into large chunks

Braising Liquid

  • 2 cups Korean banana milk (Binggrae-style or similar)

  • ½ cup water or anchovy-kelp stock

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (Korean ganjang preferred)

  • 2 tbsp gochujang (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tbsp doenjang (soybean paste)

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey

  • 1 tbsp rice wine (mirin or soju)

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

Aromatics

  • 1 onion, sliced

  • 5 cloves garlic, smashed

  • 1 tbsp grated ginger

  • 2 scallions, cut into 5 cm pieces

  • 1 small apple or pear, grated (optional but very Korean)

Finishing

  • Toasted sesame seeds

  • Sliced scallions

  • Optional chili oil or gochugaru

Instructions

1. Parboil the Pork (important)

  1. Place pork in a pot with cold water.

  2. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes to remove impurities.

  3. Drain and rinse the pork; set aside.

2. Build the Braise

  1. In a heavy pot or Dutch oven, add onion, garlic, ginger, scallions, and apple/pear.

  2. Add banana milk, water/stock, soy sauce, gochujang, doenjang, sugar, rice wine, and sesame oil.

  3. Stir well until the pastes dissolve.

3. Braise

  1. Add pork pieces, ensuring they’re mostly submerged.

  2. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer.

  3. Cover and braise for 60–75 minutes, turning pork occasionally.

4. Reduce & Glaze

  1. Remove lid and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes.

  2. Sauce should thicken into a glossy, caramel-colored glaze.

  3. Taste and adjust salt or spice.

Notes

For extra depth and balance, try finishing the dish with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. You can also add a soft-boiled egg or sautéed mushrooms during the last few minutes of braising to soak up the creamy banana milk sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions or a touch of gochugaru for gentle heat and color.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Braising
  • Cuisine: Korean-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: ~520 kcal

Keywords: Banana milk pork belly, Korean milk braised pork, sweet and savory Korean pork, banana milk glazed meat

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Find it online: https://recipesmaria.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-korean-inspired-banana-milk-braised-pork/