Braised Korean Pork Belly with Gochujang Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork belly slow-braised in a spicy and sweet gochujang-based sauce, perfect for serving with steamed rice and kimchi. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 85 minutes pairs pork belly, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 70 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb pork belly into 1-inch cubes. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add 1 tbsp sesame oil. Add the pork belly pieces and sear for 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger to the pot and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp brown sugar, coating the pork belly evenly. Pour in 1 cup water and bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and braise gently for 1 hour until the pork is tender and the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lid and cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to reduce the sauce further.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Braised Korean Pork Belly with Gochujang Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (15 min prep + 70 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Braised Korean Pork Belly with Gochujang Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork belly from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Korean Pork Belly with Gochujang Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Braised Korean Pork Belly with Gochujang Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Braised Korean Pork Belly with Gochujang Glaze?

Korean pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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