Charcoal-Grilled Spicy Korean Pork Belly with Sesame Scallion Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Boldly marinated pork belly grilled over charcoal for smoky heat, paired with a refreshing sesame scallion salad that balances the richness. This korean-inspired grilling ready in about 50 minutes pairs 1/4-inch thick pork belly slices, 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 450 calories and feeds 3, 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Order on Instacart →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make a spicy marinade. Add 1 lb pork belly slices and coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: While pork marinates, combine 4 thinly sliced scallions, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp honey in a small bowl. Toss gently and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
  3. Step 3: Prepare a charcoal grill, heating to medium-high heat with a smokey flame.
  4. Step 4: Grill the marinated pork belly slices for 3-4 minutes per side until the edges are crispy and the meat is cooked through with a caramelized glaze.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve immediately topped with the sesame scallion salad for a fresh contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charcoal-Grilled Spicy Korean Pork Belly with Sesame Scallion Salad take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 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 Charcoal-Grilled Spicy Korean Pork Belly with Sesame Scallion Salad?

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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Spicy Korean Pork Belly with Sesame Scallion Salad?

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 Charcoal-Grilled Spicy Korean Pork Belly with Sesame Scallion Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Charcoal-Grilled Spicy Korean Pork Belly with Sesame Scallion Salad?

Korean grilling 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.

Related recipes

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →