When a man lives alone, side dishes can be surprisingly stressful.

Eating out is convenient, but when you think about your bank balance and the next payday, you can't live like that every day.

However, cooking something new at home every time can be a hassle. So, after trying various things, I settled on stir-fried pork.

If you make it spicy, let it cool, and then freeze it in zip bags, you're all set.

When you want to eat, just thaw enough for your meal, saving both time and money.

In my opinion, it's the best side dish to freeze.

Do you know what the name "stir-fried pork" means?

"Je-yuk" literally means pork in Chinese characters, and "bokkeum" refers to a cooking method where food is quickly cooked over high heat.

So, if you interpret it literally, it means food that is stir-fried with pork in seasoning.

It may seem like a simple name, but this simplicity is part of the charm of this dish.

The ingredients are simple, and the cooking method is straightforward, which is why it has been loved as a home-cooked meal for a long time.

The ingredients are nothing special. About 2 pounds of pork shoulder or neck is enough. Mixing in some pork belly adds richness and enhances the flavor of the stir-fried pork. Just be careful, as it might make you crave soju while eating.

One onion, one green onion, and a tablespoon of minced garlic are all you need to set up the basics.

The seasoning is also simple: 2 tablespoons of gochujang, 1 tablespoon of gochugaru, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, garlic, pepper, and a little sesame oil.

Some people unnecessarily add water, but that's not needed. The meat will release enough moisture. Stir-frying with that is much tastier.

Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces and just mix it with the seasoning. Marinating for at least 10 minutes will enhance the flavor.

In the meantime, chop the onion and green onion, and you're ready to go.

Make sure to use high heat for the pan. Add the meat first and don't stir it right away; press it down slightly to sear it.

This will bring out the smoky flavor. Once the meat is cooked to a certain extent, add the vegetables and stir-fry together to finish.

Make a generous amount at once, let it cool completely, and then divide it into 1-2 servings in zip bags.

A tip here is to spread it out thinly when freezing. This way, it takes up less space and thaws faster.

When you're ready to eat, it's best to move it to the fridge the day before, but if you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave to thaw it.

Finally, give it a quick stir-fry in the pan again to bring back that freshly made taste.

Living in Dallas, I've noticed that shopping frequently just leads to spending more money.

If you buy meat cheaply in bulk and prepare it like this, it makes the week much easier.

Especially when you're hungry after work, pulling this out and eating it with rice feels so satisfying. There's no need to regret spending money eating out.

As for wrapping vegetables, it can be tricky to find lettuce sometimes. In that case, just buy romaine lettuce.

At the store, a bundle of five costs about $5, which is a great value. Just wash it and wrap it up. It actually feels crunchier and pairs better with the stir-fried pork.

An important tip is to get into the habit of making a lot and freezing it in portions. Just doing this will almost eliminate worries about meals during the week.

Even a man who can't cook can easily manage this. Once you get past the initial hassle, it becomes much easier.