Pan-Fried Gochujang Pork Belly with Scallion and Sesame

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Spicy and savory Korean-inspired pork belly slices pan-fried with a sticky gochujang glaze and topped with scallions and toasted sesame seeds. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 20 minutes pairs thinly sliced pork belly, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp rice vinegar, and 2 minced garlic cloves until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork belly in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the edges start to crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip the pork slices, then spoon the gochujang sauce evenly over them. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until pork is cooked through and sauce thickens and caramelizes.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from heat and transfer to a serving plate. Sprinkle 3 thinly sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Gochujang Pork Belly with Scallion and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Pan-Fried Gochujang 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 thinly sliced pork belly from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Gochujang 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 Pan-Fried Gochujang 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 Pan-Fried Gochujang Pork Belly with Scallion and Sesame?

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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