Pan-Seared Korean Pork Belly with Spicy Gochujang Glaze

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

Crisp-skinned pork belly slices coated in a sweet and spicy gochujang glaze, served with pickled vegetables. This korean-inspired pork (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork belly, sliced 1/4 inch thick, 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 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp sesame oil until smooth and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Season 1 lb pork belly slices with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork belly slices in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and brush each pork belly slice generously with the gochujang glaze. Cook for an additional 2 minutes per side, basting with more glaze, until the sauce thickens and coats the pork beautifully.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, toss 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber and 1/2 cup julienned carrot with a pinch of salt for a quick fresh pickle.
  6. Step 6: Plate the glazed pork belly and garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve alongside the pickled vegetables for a balanced bite.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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-Seared Korean Pork Belly with Spicy 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-Seared Korean Pork Belly with Spicy 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-Seared Korean Pork Belly with Spicy Gochujang Glaze 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.

Is Pan-Seared Korean Pork Belly with Spicy Gochujang Glaze gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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