Hey guys! Craving some delicious and comforting Korean food? Look no further! Today, we're diving into the wonderful world of Korean Pork Bone Soup, also known as Gamjatang. And the best part? We're making it in the Instant Pot! This recipe is going to be a game-changer, trust me. It’s way easier than the traditional method, and you'll get that authentic, rich flavor in a fraction of the time. So, let’s get started!

What is Gamjatang (Korean Pork Bone Soup)?

Before we jump into the recipe, let's talk about what Gamjatang actually is. Gamjatang is a hearty and flavorful Korean soup made primarily with pork neck bones (or spine), potatoes, and a medley of delicious seasonings and vegetables. The name "Gamjatang" comes from the Korean word "Gamja" (감자), which means potato, and "Tang" (탕), which means soup. However, don't be fooled by the name; the real star of the show is the pork bone. These bones are simmered for hours (or, in our case, pressure-cooked to perfection) until the meat is incredibly tender and falls right off the bone. The broth becomes infused with deep, savory flavors that are simply irresistible. Other common ingredients include dried radish greens (siraegi), perilla seeds, scallions, and gochugaru (Korean chili powder) for that signature spicy kick. Gamjatang is often enjoyed as a communal dish, perfect for sharing with family and friends. It’s a staple in Korean cuisine and is known for its comforting and nourishing qualities, especially during cold weather. This soup isn't just about the taste; it's also about the experience. The act of picking the tender meat off the bones and savoring the complex flavors is truly satisfying. Plus, the combination of spicy, savory, and earthy notes makes it a truly unique culinary adventure. Whether you're a seasoned Korean food enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Gamjatang is a must-try dish that will warm your soul and leave you wanting more.

Why Use an Instant Pot for Gamjatang?

Okay, so why are we using an Instant Pot for this amazing Korean pork bone soup? Well, traditionally, Gamjatang takes hours and hours of simmering on the stovetop to get those pork bones nice and tender and to really develop that deep, rich flavor in the broth. But let's be real, who has that kind of time these days? That’s where the Instant Pot comes to the rescue! The Instant Pot is a magical device that uses pressure cooking to drastically reduce cooking time while still delivering incredible results. By using an Instant Pot, we can achieve the same level of tenderness and flavor in just a fraction of the time. Think about it: instead of simmering for 3-4 hours, we can get perfectly tender pork bones in about an hour! This is a huge time-saver, especially on busy weeknights when you're craving a comforting and flavorful meal but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. But the benefits don't stop there. The Instant Pot also helps to extract more flavor from the bones and vegetables, resulting in a richer and more complex broth. The high pressure forces the flavors to meld together more quickly and efficiently, creating a depth of flavor that is hard to achieve with traditional simmering methods. Plus, the Instant Pot is incredibly convenient and easy to use. Simply toss in your ingredients, set the timer, and let the machine do its thing. No need to babysit the pot or worry about the soup boiling over. It's a set-it-and-forget-it kind of cooking, which is perfect for busy cooks who want to enjoy authentic Korean flavors without spending all day in the kitchen. So, if you're looking for a quicker, easier, and more convenient way to make Gamjatang, the Instant Pot is definitely the way to go. It's a game-changer that will allow you to enjoy this delicious and comforting soup any time you want, without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let's gather our ingredients for this Instant Pot Korean Pork Bone Soup adventure. Don't worry, most of these are easily found at your local Asian market or even in the international aisle of your regular grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pork Neck Bones (or Pork Spine): About 2-3 pounds. These are the star of the show, so make sure to get good quality ones. Look for bones that have a good amount of meat on them. If you can't find pork neck bones, you can also use pork spine.
• Potatoes: 2-3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and quartered. These add a nice heartiness to the soup and help to thicken the broth.
• Dried Radish Greens (Siraegi): 1 cup, soaked in warm water for about 30 minutes to rehydrate. Siraegi adds a unique earthy flavor and texture to the soup. If you can't find siraegi, you can substitute with napa cabbage or spinach.
• Scallions: A bunch, chopped. These add a fresh, vibrant flavor to the soup.
• Perilla Seeds (Kkae): 2-3 tablespoons, ground. Perilla seeds add a nutty, aromatic flavor that is characteristic of Gamjatang. You can find ground perilla seeds at most Korean markets. If you can't find ground perilla seeds, you can use sesame seeds as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• Gochugaru (Korean Chili Powder): 2-3 tablespoons, or more to taste. Gochugaru is what gives Gamjatang its signature spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your liking.
• Doenjang (Korean Soybean Paste): 2 tablespoons. Doenjang adds a savory, umami flavor to the soup.
• Ganjang (Korean Soy Sauce): 2 tablespoons. Ganjang adds a salty and savory flavor to the soup.
• Minced Garlic: 2 tablespoons. Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the soup.
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced. Ginger adds a warm, spicy flavor to the soup.
• Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon. Sesame oil adds a nutty, aromatic flavor to the soup.
• Water: About 8 cups.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Make sure you have all of these ingredients on hand before you start cooking. It will make the whole process much smoother and more enjoyable. And don't be afraid to experiment with the amounts of the seasonings to suit your own taste preferences. This recipe is just a guideline, so feel free to adjust it to your liking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, guys, let's get cooking! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious Korean Pork Bone Soup in your Instant Pot:

1. Prepare the Pork Bones: Rinse the pork neck bones under cold water. This helps to remove any impurities and excess blood. Trust me, this step is important for a cleaner-tasting broth.
2. Blanch the Pork Bones: Place the pork bones in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes. This process helps to remove any remaining impurities and scum from the bones. Drain the bones and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. This step is crucial for a clear and flavorful broth.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Turn on your Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Add the sesame oil to the pot. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add Pork Bones and Seasonings: Add the blanched pork bones to the Instant Pot. Add the doenjang, ganjang, and gochugaru. Stir everything together to coat the pork bones with the seasonings. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Add Water and Vegetables: Add the water to the Instant Pot, making sure the pork bones are fully submerged. Add the potatoes and soaked siraegi. Stir everything together.
6. Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the manual or pressure cook function and set the cooking time to 45 minutes. If your pork bones are particularly large, you may need to increase the cooking time to 50-55 minutes.
7. Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is complete, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the pork bones to become even more tender and prevents the soup from splattering when you release the pressure.
8. Release Remaining Pressure: After 15-20 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to the venting position. Be careful of the steam!
9. Season and Serve: Open the lid of the Instant Pot and stir in the chopped scallions and ground perilla seeds. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Gamjatang

Here are a few extra tips to help you make the most amazing Gamjatang:

• Don't Skip the Blanching: Blanching the pork bones is a crucial step for a clean and flavorful broth. It removes impurities and excess blood, resulting in a much better soup.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Gochugaru is what gives Gamjatang its spicy kick, so feel free to adjust the amount to your liking. If you're not a fan of spicy food, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
• Use Good Quality Pork Bones: The quality of the pork bones will directly impact the flavor of the soup. Look for bones that have a good amount of meat on them.
• Soak the Siraegi: Soaking the dried radish greens (siraegi) in warm water helps to rehydrate them and remove any excess salt. This will also improve their texture and flavor.
• Natural Pressure Release is Key: Allowing the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for about 15-20 minutes will result in more tender pork bones and a richer broth.
• Serve with Rice: Gamjatang is traditionally served with a bowl of steamed white rice. The rice helps to balance out the spicy and savory flavors of the soup.
• Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your Gamjatang, such as mushrooms, onions, or carrots. These will add extra flavor and nutrients to the soup.

Variations and Add-ins

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations and add-ins for your Instant Pot Korean Pork Bone Soup:

• Add Ramen Noodles: For a heartier meal, add some ramen noodles to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. This will turn your Gamjatang into a delicious and satisfying noodle soup.
• Add Tofu: Cubes of tofu can be added to the soup for extra protein and texture. Firm or medium-firm tofu works best.
• Add Enoki Mushrooms: These delicate mushrooms add a unique texture and flavor to the soup. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming overcooked.
• Make it Vegetarian: While Gamjatang is traditionally made with pork bones, you can also make a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth and adding extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, tofu, and seaweed.
• Add Kimchi: A spoonful of kimchi can be added to the soup for an extra layer of flavor and spice. Kimchi adds a tangy and fermented flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Enjoy Your Homemade Gamjatang!

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Korean Pork Bone Soup (Gamjatang) made easy in your Instant Pot. I hope you enjoy making and eating this comforting and flavorful soup as much as I do. Don't be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and seasonings to create your own unique version of this classic Korean dish. And remember, the most important ingredient is love (and maybe a little bit of gochugaru!). Happy cooking, everyone!