Gochujang Braised Pork Belly with Scallion and Sesame

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

Tender pork belly slowly braised in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce, garnished with fresh scallions and toasted sesame seeds for a rich Korean classic. This korean ready in about 85 minutes pairs gochujang (Korean red chili paste), soy sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 70 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine 3 tablespoons gochujang, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and 1 cup water; stir until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound pork belly cubes to the pot, submerging them in the sauce. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and cover. Simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender and sauce thickens.
  3. Step 3: Remove the lid and cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to reduce sauce further and slightly caramelize.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tablespoon sesame oil and sprinkle 2 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds over the pork before serving to add freshness and nutty aroma.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Gochujang Braised Pork Belly with Scallion and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (15 min prep + 70 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 Gochujang Braised Pork Belly with Scallion and Sesame?

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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gochujang Braised Pork Belly with Scallion and Sesame?

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 Gochujang Braised Pork Belly with Scallion and Sesame 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 Gochujang Braised Pork Belly with Scallion and Sesame?

Korean korean 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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