Pan-Fried Pork Belly with Spicy Kimchi and Sesame

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

Succulent slices of pork belly pan-fried until crispy, served with spicy, fermented kimchi and toasted sesame seeds for a flavorful Korean-inspired dish. This Korean recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs kimchi, chopped, sesame oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 3, 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: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb sliced pork belly in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until edges are golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: Remove pork from skillet and set aside on paper towels to drain excess fat.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 cup chopped kimchi. Sauté over medium heat for 3 minutes until fragrant and kimchi softens.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1/4 tsp black pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes to let flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Return pork belly to the pan and toss gently with kimchi mixture for 1 minute to coat.
  6. Step 6: Plate pork and kimchi, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 1 sliced green onion before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Pork Belly with Spicy Kimchi and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Spicy Kimchi 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 kimchi, chopped from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Pork Belly with Spicy Kimchi 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 Pork Belly with Spicy Kimchi and Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Spicy Kimchi and Sesame?

Korean korean 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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