Crisp Pan-Seared Korean Pork Belly with Spicy Gochujang Glaze
Thick slices of pork belly pan-seared until crisp and glazed with a spicy, sweet gochujang sauce for a perfect balance of flavors. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs gochujang (Korean chili paste), honey, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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, skin removed, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 2 minced garlic cloves until smooth.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb pork belly slices in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crisp at the edges.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low and brush both sides of the pork belly with the gochujang glaze. Cook for an additional 2 minutes per side, allowing the glaze to caramelize and coat the meat.
- Step 4: Transfer pork belly to a serving plate, sprinkle with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 tbsp thinly sliced green onions. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crisp Pan-Seared Korean Pork Belly with Spicy Gochujang Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Seared Korean Pork Belly with Spicy 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 honey from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crisp Pan-Seared Korean Pork Belly with Spicy 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 Crisp Pan-Seared Korean Pork Belly with Spicy 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 Crisp Pan-Seared Korean Pork Belly with Spicy 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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