If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating the famed Momofuku Bo Ssam at home but were intimidated by its complexity and lengthy cooking time, fear not! With a few clever adaptations, you can enjoy this sensational dish in less than two hours, right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- One complete bone-in pork shoulder or picnic ham, weighing between 8 to 10 pounds.
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 7 tablespoons brown sugar
For Ginger-Scallion Sauce:
- 2½ cups thinly sliced scallions (both green and white parts)
- ½ cup minced fresh ginger
- ¼ cup neutral oil (like grapeseed)
- 1½ teaspoons light soy sauce
- 1 scant teaspoon sherry vinegar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
For Ssam Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon fermented bean-and-chili paste (ssamjang)
- ½ tablespoon chili paste (kochujang)
- ¼ cup sherry vinegar
- ¼ cup neutral oil (like grapeseed)
Accompaniments:
- Kimchi
- Hoisin sauce
- Bao buns (steamed buns, as per Momofuku’s recipe)
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Rub the pork shoulder with a mixture of white sugar and 1 cup of kosher salt. Let it cure in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Cooking the Pork:
- Preheat the oven to 300°F. Remove excess juices, then roast the pork in the oven for approximately 6 hours, basting every hour until tender. Note: Cooking times may vary; it could take longer for larger cuts.
- Preparing Sauces:
- For the Ginger-Scallion Sauce, combine scallions, ginger, oil, soy sauce, vinegar, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Make the Ssam Sauce by mixing ssamjang, kochujang, sherry vinegar, and oil until well combined.
- Finishing Touches:
- Increase oven temperature to 500°F. Rub the cooked pork with a mixture of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Roast for 10-15 minutes until the sugar forms a crisp crust.
- Serving:
- Serve the Bo Ssam hot, surrounded by accompaniments such as kimchi, hoisin sauce, and steamed buns. Optionally, include other suggested accompaniments like steamed rice or bibb lettuce.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: Varies based on serving size and accompaniments.
- Protein: High due to pork shoulder.
- Carbohydrates: Moderate, influenced by sugars in rub and sauces.
- Fat: Moderate; depends on cooking method and sauces used.
Reviews:
Home cooks and food enthusiasts rave about the Momofuku Bo Ssam for its succulent, flavorful pork and versatile serving options. While the original recipe suggests lettuce wraps, adapting it with steamed buns adds a delightful twist that many find equally enjoyable.
Community Tips and Praise:
- Cooking Time Variability: Some users have found the pork requires longer cooking times than stated, ranging from 8 to 12 hours depending on the size and cut.
- Adaptations: Experiment with different accompaniments and serving styles to suit your taste preferences and available ingredients.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare components like sauces and rub ahead of time for easier assembly on the day of serving.
In conclusion, Momofuku’s Bo Ssam is a show-stopping dish that can now be mastered in your own kitchen in less than two hours with these simplified steps. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight indulgence, this recipe promises to impress with its bold flavors and customizable presentation.
