Crisp Korean-Style Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps with Gochujang Mayo
Pan-fried pork belly slices with a crispy edge served in fresh lettuce leaves with a spicy-sweet gochujang mayo and crunchy vegetables for a flavorful Korean-inspired wrap. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs pork belly, sliced 1/4-inch thick, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork belly, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 large leaves green leaf lettuce leaves
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 medium cucumber, julienned
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 stalks scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1 lb pork belly slices dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the pork belly slices in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the edges are crispy and the pork is cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp gochujang, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and 1 tsp rice vinegar until smooth.
- Step 4: To assemble each wrap, place 1 large green leaf lettuce leaf on a plate, add 2-3 slices of pork belly, a small handful of julienned carrot (from 1 medium carrot) and cucumber (from 1 medium cucumber), and drizzle with 1-2 tsp gochujang mayo.
- Step 5: Garnish each wrap with a sprinkle of 1 tbsp sesame seeds, 2 thinly sliced scallions, and a few drops of 1 tsp sesame oil for added aroma. Fold and enjoy immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Crisp Korean-Style Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps with Gochujang Mayo take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Crisp Korean-Style Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps with Gochujang Mayo?
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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crisp Korean-Style Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps with Gochujang Mayo?
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 Crisp Korean-Style Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps with Gochujang Mayo 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 Crisp Korean-Style Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps with Gochujang Mayo?
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.