Korean-Style Grilled Pork Belly with Sesame Scallion Sauce
Tender grilled pork belly slices served with a vibrant sesame scallion sauce for a bold Korean-inspired flavor. This korean-inspired grilling ready in about 25 minutes blends about 1/4-inch thick pork belly slices, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, about 1/4-inch thick pork belly slices
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 4, finely chopped green onions
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb pork belly slices and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Place pork belly slices on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until edges are crisp and meat is cooked through.
- Step 3: While pork cooks, combine 4 finely chopped green onions and 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds in a small bowl.
- Step 4: Remove pork belly from grill and transfer to a serving plate. Sprinkle the sesame scallion mixture over the top and drizzle with an additional 1 tbsp sesame oil if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Korean-Style Grilled Pork Belly with Sesame Scallion Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Korean-Style Grilled Pork Belly with Sesame Scallion 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 Korean-Style Grilled Pork Belly with Sesame Scallion 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 Korean-Style Grilled Pork Belly with Sesame Scallion 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 Korean-Style Grilled Pork Belly with Sesame Scallion Sauce?
Korean grilling 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The pork belly was perfectly crispy and the sauce tied it all together. My kids asked for seconds!
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Juicy pork belly with that addictive sesame scallion sauce—so simple and flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe, but the sauce was slightly bland. Added extra sesame oil next time for more depth.