Pan-Fried Pork Belly with Korean Gochujang Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender slices of pork belly pan-fried to crispness and coated with a spicy-sweet Korean gochujang sauce for an addictive appetizer or main. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs (1/2-inch thick) pork belly slices, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb pork belly slices in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the edges are crispy and the fat renders.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low and brush the pork belly slices generously with the prepared gochujang glaze. Cook for another 2 minutes on each side, allowing the sauce to caramelize and coat the meat.
  4. Step 4: Transfer pork belly to a serving plate, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced green onions. Serve warm with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Pork Belly with Korean Gochujang Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Pork Belly with Korean Gochujang Glaze?

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 Pan-Fried Pork Belly with Korean Gochujang Glaze?

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 Pork Belly with Korean Gochujang Glaze 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 Pork Belly with Korean Gochujang Glaze?

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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