Korean-Style Grilled Pork Belly with Spicy Gochujang Marinade

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

Thinly sliced pork belly marinated in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce, grilled to perfection with a caramelized crust. This korean-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 25 minutes blends pound, 1/4-inch thick pork belly slices, tablespoons soy sauce, tablespoon sesame 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 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: 15 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 tablespoons gochujang, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar until smooth and well combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound pork belly slices to the marinade, tossing to coat each slice thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates.
  4. Step 4: Grill pork belly slices for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until edges are crisp and caramelized, and the pork is cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Transfer grilled pork belly to a platter and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds and 2 tablespoons sliced green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Korean-Style Grilled Pork Belly with Spicy Gochujang Marinade 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 Spicy Gochujang Marinade?

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 Spicy Gochujang Marinade?

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 Spicy Gochujang Marinade 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 Spicy Gochujang Marinade?

Korean bbq & smoked 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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