Spicy Korean-Style Grilled Pork Belly
Thin slices of pork belly marinated in a spicy gochujang sauce, grilled until caramelized and tender with a smoky finish. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs about 1/4 inch thick 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 450 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, about 1/4 inch thick pork belly slices
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp fresh grated ginger until smooth.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork belly to the marinade, tossing to coat every piece evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F, and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Arrange marinated pork belly slices on the grill in a single layer. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, watching closely to avoid flare-ups, until edges are crispy and pork is cooked through.
- Step 5: Remove pork belly from grill and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 tbsp chopped green onions for garnish.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with steamed rice and lettuce leaves for wrapping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Korean-Style Grilled Pork Belly take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Grilled 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 soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Grilled 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 Grilled 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 Grilled 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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