| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 675 | 31g | 9.5g | 74g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 25g | 2g |
Why I Love Japanese Pork Kimchi Rice Bowl
From the moment I first tasted a Pork Kimchi Rice Bowl, I was thoroughly smitten. There’s something about the distinct yet harmonious flavors that captivated me from the first bite—I just can’t resist creating and indulging in this remarkable Japanese dish. If you’re unfamiliar, it effortlessly combines thin slices of savoury pork belly and spicy, tangy kimchi with the comforting bed of steamed Japanese short-grain rice.
Let’s not forget the colorful garnish of chopped green onion sprinkles, the perfectly cooked egg crowning the dish, or the optional crunch of nori seaweed strips. This isn’t just a dish; it’s a culinary journey of contrasting yet beautifully complementary flavors and textures.
The Inspirations Behind the Bowl
It would be fair to say that this comforting recipe does contrast my usual mountainous recipes game meats, trout dishes, and hearty feasts. Yet, I believe that opens up an entirely new flavor profile. While my trout dishes might bring the Rockies indoors, the Pork Kimchi Rice Bowl transports me and my partner Gordon to the bustling streets of Tokyo. In essence, this dish is inspired by the world-renowned chef Masaharu Morimoto, whose deft hands are commonly heralded for their gastronomic magic with Japanese cuisine.
A Delectable Feast for the Senses
If you’ve ever had bibimbap or a donburi bowl, you’ll find some similarities here, especially in the way the components are presented. But I must insist—the Pork Kimchi Rice Bowl stands on its own in its delightful uniqueness. Pair it with a simple miso soup or a refreshing cucumber salad to accentuate its savory character.
Laced with hints of sesame oil and the beautiful harmony of soy sauce and mirin, every bite challenges the palate. To top it off, the sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and optional hint of chili flakes add an extra kick that elevates this dish to new heights. And who can resist the utterly satisfying moment when you break into the egg, and its creamy yolk cloaks the dish in a layer of silky richness?
In truth, the Pork Kimchi Rice Bowl does more than merely satisfy hunger. Each time I make it, I’m reminded of the broad culinary world outside my Rockies home. With every bite, I can close my eyes and instantly travel from Colorado to a cozy izakaya in Japan.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of Japanese short-grain rice
- 1 lb of thinly sliced pork belly
- 2 cups of kimchi
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 6 eggs
- 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds
- Nori seaweed stripes (optional)
- Chili flakes (optional)
Method
Step One
Begin by cooking the 2 cups of Japanese short-grain rice according to its package instructions. While this is cooking, you can start preparing other ingredients.
Step Two
Next, heat the 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and add in the thinly sliced pork belly. Cook the pork belly until it’s browned and crispy. This should typically take about 3-5 minutes.
Step Three
In the meanwhile, stir together the 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of mirin, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a separate bowl. Once mixed, set this sauce aside for later.
Step Four
Once the pork belly is crisped to your liking, add the 2 cups of kimchi and the sauce you prepared in the previous step to the pan. Stir fry these components together until they’re well combined.
Step Five
In another pan, fry the 6 eggs to your liking. A runny yolk is recommended for this dish to mix with the rice.
Step Six
Serve the pork kimchi mixture over the cooked rice. Top each bowl with a fried egg, some chopped green onions, a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds, and, if you like, nori seaweed stripes and chili flakes to taste. Enjoy your Pork Kimchi Rice Bowl hot!
