Spicy Korean-Style Grilled Pork Belly with Sesame Scallion Sauce
Tender pork belly slices grilled with a spicy gochujang marinade, finished with a bright sesame scallion sauce for bold Korean flavors. This korean-inspired grilling ready in about 22 minutes blends pork belly slices, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce 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 450 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork belly slices
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 3 stalks scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil to create a spicy marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb pork belly slices to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly; cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium heat, approximately 375°F, and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Place marinated pork belly slices on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through.
- Step 5: While pork cooks, combine 3 thinly sliced scallion stalks, 1 tsp sesame seeds, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl.
- Step 6: Remove pork belly from grill and let rest for 3 minutes; serve topped with the sesame scallion mixture for a fresh, nutty finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Korean-Style Grilled Pork Belly with Sesame Scallion Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Spicy Korean-Style Grilled Pork Belly with Sesame Scallion 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-Style Grilled Pork Belly with Sesame Scallion 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-Style Grilled Pork Belly with Sesame Scallion Sauce 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 with Sesame Scallion Sauce?
Korean grilling 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.
Equipment for this recipe
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