Spicy Korean-Style Braised Pork Belly

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

Succulent pork belly slowly braised in a spicy, sweet, and savory Korean sauce until tender and richly flavored. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 85 minutes pairs pork belly, soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 70 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, add 1 tbsp sesame oil and 2 lbs cubed pork belly. Brown the pork on all sides for about 6-8 minutes until edges are slightly crisp.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/3 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 cup water, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover partially.
  4. Step 4: Simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender and sauce has thickened to a glossy consistency.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving warm with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Style Braised Pork Belly take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (15 min prep + 70 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 Spicy Korean-Style Braised Pork Belly?

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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Braised Pork Belly?

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-Style Braised Pork Belly 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 Spicy Korean-Style Braised Pork Belly?

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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