Crispy Korean-Style Pork Belly with Spicy Gochujang Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-fried pork belly slices with crackling skin served alongside a spicy and sweet gochujang dipping sauce. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes blends 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 pound pork belly slices with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork belly slices in a single layer and cook 5-6 minutes per side until skin is crispy and meat is golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, whisk together 3 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Transfer pork belly to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Serve hot with the spicy gochujang sauce drizzled over or on the side. Garnish with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds and 1 sliced green onion.

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 Crispy Korean-Style Pork Belly with Spicy 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 Crispy Korean-Style Pork Belly 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 Crispy Korean-Style Pork Belly 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 Crispy Korean-Style Pork Belly 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 Crispy Korean-Style Pork Belly 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.

Related recipes