What comes to mind when you think of pork? Pork belly? Foreleg? But here, if you look closely, there is a hidden powerhouse, neck meat. If there was a time when we only ate pork belly, it is now time to learn about the charm of neck meat. Now, I will tell you everything about neck meat, from its origin to recipes and restaurants, in a way that even novice housewives can easily understand!
Neck meat, who on earth are you?
Neck meat is the part of the pig’s neck. The name itself is intuitive, right? Neck meat because it has the “neck” in it! It doesn’t have as much fat as pork belly, but it has a chewy yet rich flavor because it has the right amount of fat and lean meat.
In short, it is meat with a good balance of not too much fat and not too dry. So it is delicious when grilled, stir-fried, and even in stews! It is a part that is easy on even beginners.
The history of moksal - The days of only eating samgyeopsal are over!
In fact, moksal was once just a "sub". In the past, fatty parts like samgyeopsal or ribs were more popular, and moksal was used as an ingredient in stews or soups.
Then one day! As the price of samgyeopsal began to rise, people began to look for alternatives. And they discovered it.
"Huh? Moksal is better than I thought?"
It has the right amount of fat, is chewy, and has a rich flavor! Since it is less burdensome than samgyeopsal, it has become increasingly popular as a grilled meat. And these days, it is recognized as a high-quality part that can be enjoyed as a steak.
The world has really changed, hasn't it?
Moksal Recipe - Even Beginners Can Do It!
Now, the important thing is how to cook it! Moksal is basically easy to cook, so even beginner housewives don't have to worry.
① Grilled pork neck (salt grilled or seasoned grilled)
The simplest and most foolproof method!
Salt grilled: Just sprinkle salt and pepper and grill until golden brown! Done!
Seasoned grilled: Seasoned with gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic and grilled for a burst of flavor!
✔ TIP: Start with high heat and then reduce to medium heat to bring out the meat juices!
② Stir-fried pork neck – The classic rice thief
Slice pork neck thinly, marinate in seasoning, and stir-fry!
It’s not too greasy or dry because it has just the right amount of fat.
③ Pork neck steak – A special dish for special occasions
Sprinkle thick pork neck with salt and pepper and grill it in a pan to complete the pork steak!
Add butter and garlic for a restaurant-like feel~
✔ TIP: Leave it at room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling so that it’s cooked through!
④ Moksal Boiled Pork – The Ultimate Tenderness
Boil the pork in water with soybean paste, garlic, and green onions to create moist boiled pork without any unpleasant odor!
It is less oily than pork belly, so you can enjoy it in a light way.
Moksal Cooking Tips for Beginner Housewives!
There are a few basic principles for cooking pork deliciously. First of all, it is important to leave it at room temperature for 10 to 20 minutes before grilling. If you grill cold meat straight out of the refrigerator, the outside will likely burn and the inside will be undercooked. If you cook it after adjusting the temperature to room temperature, it will cook evenly while maintaining the meat juice.
Controlling the heat is also key when grilling meat. First, cook the outside quickly on high heat to lock in the meat juice, then reduce the heat to medium heat to slowly cook the inside. This way, the meat will not become dry and will maintain a moist texture.
When making boiled pork, it is good to add soybean paste, garlic, and green onions. These ingredients remove the unique odor of pork while adding savory flavor. In particular, soybean paste adds a subtle, deep flavor to the broth, further enhancing the flavor of the boiled pork.
Are you only going to eat pork neck at home? A nationwide restaurant tour!
While pork neck carefully grilled at home is delicious, sometimes it is also important to experience pork neck grilled by experts. When you taste pork neck perfectly managed in terms of heat control, aging, and thickness, you will naturally exclaim, "This isn't the pork neck I knew!"
There are many pork neck restaurants nationwide. Among them, I will introduce some places where you can experience real pork neck.
Seoul - The best pork neck restaurants in the metropolitan area
If you are looking for pork neck restaurants in Seoul, you cannot miss Bongpiyang and Yukjeon Restaurant.
Bongpiyang is originally famous for Korean beef bulgogi, but its aged pork neck grilled on charcoal is also excellent. The outside is crispy and the inside is juicy, so even if you just add salt, it bursts with savory flavor. It goes perfectly with naengmyeon.
On the other hand, you can't miss Yukjeon Restaurant, famous for its aged pork belly. The pork neck aged for two weeks is soft and has a meaty flavor. When served with wasabi, the savory flavor is doubled, and when served with salty pollack roe, the salty flavor is added, allowing you to enjoy a unique combination.
Busan - It's not just famous for the sea!
Busan also has a hidden pork neck restaurant. Geodae Galbi in Haeundae serves aged pork neck grilled over charcoal like steak. Despite its thick thickness, it becomes softer and more savory the more you chew it. You can complete the best combination when you eat it with myeonginamul.
If you value value for money, I also recommend Samjeong Meat Restaurant in Nampo-dong. This place serves pork neck with generous side dishes in a Korean set meal style, making it perfect for those who want a proper meal.
Daegu – City of Fire and Aged
When you think of Daegu, the word that comes to mind is definitely fire. Hwaro Charcoal Grill located in Jung-gu serves pork neck grilled on a charcoal grill. The outside has a subtle smoky flavor and the inside is juicy and tender. When served with Cheongyang pepper sauce, the spicy flavor is added, making it highly addictive.
If you are looking for pork neck that is a little different, I recommend Byeolnan Dwaeji. This place grills pork neck like steak after aging it at a low temperature, and the soft meat juice spreads when you take a bite. When you eat it with herb salt, the flavor of the meat is maximized even more.
Other hidden powerhouses around the country
There are many pork neck restaurants not only in the metropolitan area, Daegu, and Busan, but also all over the country.
Donsadon in Jeju Island is famous for its black pork neck. You can’t help but drool when you see black pork neck grilled on a grill.
In Jeonju, Daejeopsikdang is popular. Enjoying aged pork neck in a hanok atmosphere adds to the romance of the trip. Gangneung's Gyodong Pig House is a place where you can taste pork neck grilled over charcoal while feeling the Gangneung sea breeze, and is consistently loved by travelers.
How to properly enjoy pork neck restaurants
To properly enjoy pork neck, it is good to remember a few tips.
✔ Look for aged pork neck!
Aged pork neck has a soft texture and a deeper savory flavor. Since the taste varies depending on the aging method, it is best to visit a restaurant that specializes in aged pork neck.
✔ Charcoal grilling is the answer!
Charcoal grilling gives pork neck a much deeper flavor than gas grilling. The secret to properly savoring pork neck is to find a restaurant specializing in charcoal grilling.
✔ Pay attention to side dishes! Wasabi, minced pork, and aged kimchi help to balance out the greasiness of pork neck and bring out its savory flavor. You can enjoy it even more deliciously when you prepare them together when grilling at home.
Are you confident in making pork neck dishes now?
We have summarized the origins, history, recipes, and even restaurants around the country for pork neck at a glance. Now that you are more familiar with pork neck, you are ready to start cooking!
The versatile part that even novice housewives can cook without difficulty, pork neck!
Why not try this attractive part tonight, whether you grill it yourself, boil it, or enjoy it at a restaurant?
If you are having trouble?
It is also a good idea to experience the hands of experts by visiting restaurants.
Now you don't have to enjoy pork neck only at home.
There are numerous pork neck restaurants around the country, and each maximizes the charm of pork neck in different ways.
If you need a special meal out, let's go explore pork neck restaurants! Tonight, let's solve the problem quickly with pork neck!