Crisp Pan-Fried Pork Belly with Spicy Korean Gochujang Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden, crispy pork belly slices served with a bold, spicy-sweet Korean gochujang dipping sauce that balances richness with vibrant heat. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes blends divided kosher salt, black pepper, vegetable oil 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 520 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: 15 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 520 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb pork belly slices (1/2-inch thick) with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork belly slices in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1 minced garlic clove until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Serve the crispy pork belly slices with the gochujang dipping sauce on the side. Sprinkle with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds and 1 sliced scallion for garnish.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crisp Pan-Fried Pork Belly with Spicy Korean Gochujang Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Crisp Pan-Fried Pork Belly with Spicy Korean 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 Pan-Fried Pork Belly with Spicy Korean 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 Pan-Fried Pork Belly with Spicy Korean 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 Pan-Fried Pork Belly with Spicy Korean 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.

Related recipes