Grilled Korean-Style Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps with Gochujang Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Thin slices of marinated pork belly grilled to perfection, served with crisp lettuce leaves and a spicy-sweet gochujang dipping sauce. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 45 minutes blends pork belly slices, about 1/4-inch thick, soy sauce, brown sugar 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 450 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: 35 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger. Add 1 lb pork belly slices and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the pork belly slices for 3-4 minutes per side until crisp and caramelized.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp honey until smooth to make the dipping sauce.
  4. Step 4: To serve, place grilled pork belly slices on 12 green leaf lettuce leaves. Top each with 1 tbsp julienned cucumber, 1 tbsp thinly sliced scallions, and a sprinkle of 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve with gochujang sauce on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 45 minutes (35 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 Grilled Korean-Style Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps with 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 Grilled Korean-Style Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps with 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 Grilled Korean-Style Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps with 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 Grilled Korean-Style Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps with 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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