Spicy Korean-Inspired Braised Pork Belly with Gochujang Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Rich pork belly slowly braised in a spicy-sweet gochujang and soy sauce mixture until melt-in-your-mouth tender, perfect over steamed rice. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 145 minutes blends gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, brown sugar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 560 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 130 min Serves 6 Korean cuisine 560 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp sesame oil. Add 2 pounds cubed pork belly and sear for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 tbsp gochujang, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 cups water to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until pork is fork-tender and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove lid, increase heat to medium, and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 3 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving over steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Inspired Braised Pork Belly with Gochujang Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 145 minutes (15 min prep + 130 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spicy Korean-Inspired Braised Pork Belly with Gochujang Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Inspired Braised Pork Belly with Gochujang Sauce?

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 Spicy Korean-Inspired Braised Pork Belly with Gochujang Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Spicy Korean-Inspired Braised Pork Belly with Gochujang Sauce?

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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