Mr. Sunshine Suyuk (수육)
Why this food?
Suyuk is Korea's timeless celebration dish: tender boiled pork belly sliced thin and served with ssamjang and ssam (wrapping vegetables). In Mr. Sunshine, it anchors scenes of family bonds and historical continuity—a dish that tastes the same whether served in a yangban's house or a market stall. Making it at home connects you to centuries of Korean hospitality.
🇰🇷 K-Culture Tip
Suyuk emerged during the Joseon Dynasty as accessible luxury—pork was expensive, making this boiled preparation a mark of festive occasions and respect for guests. Koreans traditionally serve it with perilla leaves, lettuce, and ssamjang for interactive eating, turning a single dish into a communal ritual. The simplicity is intentional: quality pork needs no heavy seasoning.
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Substitute Ingredients
All available at Walmart
| Original | Substitute |
|---|---|
Pork belly (skin-on) 돼지 삼겹살 | Pork Belly Skin-On Walmart Fresh Ask butcher to leave skin on. If unavailable, use 2.5 lbs boneless pork shoulder as backup—reduce simmer time to 40 minutes. Shop at Walmart |
Fresh ginger 생강 | Fresh Ginger Root Walmart Produce Peel skin before slicing. Adds subtle warmth and aids digestion—essential to traditional preparation. Shop at Walmart |
Onion and garlic 양파, 마늘 | Yellow Onion & Garlic Walmart Produce These flavor the broth but are discarded after cooking. Extra garlic slices served fresh alongside pork for wrapping. Shop at Walmart |
🛒 Can't find it at Walmart? Try a Korean grocery store
Your Shopping List
Walmart edition
- 2 lbs Pork Belly Skin-On
- 3 slices (¼-inch each) Fresh Ginger Root
- 1 onion (halved), 4 garlic cloves Yellow Onion & Garlic
Instructions
- 1
Step 1: Fill a large pot with 3 quarts of water and bring to a rolling boil. Add the pork belly (skin-side up), 1 onion half, 3-4 garlic cloves, and ginger slices. Return to boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- 2
Step 2: Simmer for 50-60 minutes until the pork is fork-tender and skin is soft (a skewer should pierce easily). Skim any foam that rises to the surface during first 10 minutes.
- 3
Step 3: Remove the pork belly to a cutting board and let cool for 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of broth for dipping sauce.
- 4
Step 4: Slice the pork belly into ¼-inch thick pieces, keeping skin attached. Arrange on a serving platter.
- 5
Step 5: Serve warm or at room temperature with ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce), fresh perilla leaves, lettuce, and sliced garlic. Guests wrap slices in leaves with sauce and eat with steamed rice.
