Pan-Seared Korean-Style Spicy Pork Belly with Scallions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent pork belly slices pan-seared with a spicy Korean chili paste glaze, garnished with fresh scallions for a bold, savory dish. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 22 minutes pairs 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 520 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: 12 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp sesame oil until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb pork belly slices in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and brush the pork belly slices evenly with the gochujang sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes, turning once, until sauce caramelizes and coats the pork.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1/2 cup sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the pork belly slices, and serve hot with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Korean-Style Spicy Pork Belly with Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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-Style Spicy Pork Belly with Scallions?

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 pork belly slices from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Korean-Style Spicy Pork Belly with Scallions?

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-Style Spicy Pork Belly with Scallions 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-Style Spicy Pork Belly with Scallions?

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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