Crisp Korean-Style Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Gochujang Sauce

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

Pan-fried pork belly slices with a crispy edge served in fresh lettuce leaves, topped with a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce and crunchy vegetables for a flavorful Korean-inspired dish. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 20 minutes blends gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, rice vinegar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp sesame oil until smooth; set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb pork belly slices and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until edges are crispy and pork is cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork from skillet and drain on paper towels. To assemble, place several slices of pork belly on 1 green leaf lettuce leaf, top with 1 tbsp gochujang sauce, 1 tbsp julienned cucumber, and sprinkle with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately, allowing diners to wrap the pork and toppings in the lettuce for a fresh, spicy bite.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Crisp Korean-Style Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Gochujang Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Crisp Korean-Style Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Gochujang Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crisp Korean-Style Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Gochujang Sauce?

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 Spicy Gochujang Sauce 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 Spicy Gochujang Sauce?

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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