Pan-Seared Korean Spiced Pork Belly with Scallion Salad

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

Succulent pork belly slices marinated in Korean spices, pan-seared to golden perfection, served with a refreshing scallion and sesame salad. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 48 minutes pairs gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, brown sugar 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: 40 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Add 1 lb pork belly slices and toss to coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated pork belly slices in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned and crispy at the edges.
  3. Step 3: While pork cooks, combine 4 thinly sliced scallions, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a small bowl, tossing to create a fresh scallion salad.
  4. Step 4: Transfer pork belly to a serving plate and spoon the scallion salad on top or to the side. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Korean Spiced Pork Belly with Scallion Salad take to make?

Total time is about 48 minutes (40 min prep + 8 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 Spiced Pork Belly with Scallion Salad?

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 Spiced Pork Belly with Scallion Salad?

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 Spiced Pork Belly with Scallion Salad 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-Seared Korean Spiced Pork Belly with Scallion Salad?

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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