If you have pork belly at home …
If you have pork belly at home … 👀 is a easy Korean recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by TIFFYCOOKS on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 43 min | Total: 1 hr 8 min
Cost: $18.39 total, $4.60 per serving
Ingredients
- 500 g Pork Belly (cut into 2‑inch cubes)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp Four Seasoned Scallion Sauce (store‑bought Korean seasoned scallion sauce)
- 1 cup Water (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for pan‑frying)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Trim excess skin from the pork belly if needed, cut into 2‑inch cubes, and mince the garlic.
Time: PT5M
Pan‑fry Pork Belly
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add pork belly pieces in a single layer and fry, stirring occasionally, until the fat renders and the pieces are golden brown, about 4–5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Season and Simmer
Stir in the four seasoned scallion sauce and pour in 1 cup of water. Mix well, then cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 35 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
Time: PT35M
Temperature: low
Finish and Serve
Remove the lid, increase heat to medium‑high for 2 minutes to thicken the sauce if desired. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra sliced scallions.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 5g
- Fat
- 30g
- Fiber
- 0.5g
Dietary info: Contains soy, Gluten‑Free (if sauce is gluten‑free), High‑fat
Allergens: Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pork Belly: Pork shoulder, Pork belly strips
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Four Seasoned Scallion Sauce: Soy sauce mixed with chopped scallions, Homemade scallion sauce
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Neutral oil
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan
- Lid
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Pan‑fry pork belly until fat renders and pieces are golden.
- Cover and simmer for the full 35 minutes to tenderize.
- Avoid burning the garlic during sauté.
Chef Tips from the Video
- A cast‑iron skillet gives a deeper caramelization on the pork.
- Add a splash of rice wine or mirin with the water for extra depth.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too watery.
Uncover and simmer on medium‑high for a few more minutes to reduce.
Pork is not tender after 35 minutes.
Continue simmering for another 10‑15 minutes, adding a splash more water if needed.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The seasoned scallion sauce can be prepared a day ahead.
- Cooked pork belly reheats well in a microwave or skillet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Korean pork belly with scallion sauce in Korean cuisine?
Pork belly braised in a savory scallion‑based sauce is a classic comfort food in Korea, often enjoyed as a family dinner. The dish showcases the Korean love for rich, fatty meats balanced by bright, aromatic scallions and is commonly served with rice and side dishes (banchan).
What are the traditional regional variations of pork belly braised with scallion sauce in Korean cuisine?
In the southern regions, the sauce may include gochujang (red pepper paste) for a spicy kick, while in the north, a simpler soy‑scallion blend is preferred. Some families add fermented soybean paste (doenjang) or a splash of makgeolli for extra depth.
How is Korean pork belly with scallion sauce traditionally served in Korea?
It is typically served hot, ladled over a bowl of steamed white rice, accompanied by kimchi and other banchan. The dish can also be placed on a hot stone plate (dolsot) to keep it sizzling at the table.
During which Korean celebrations or occasions is pork belly with scallion sauce commonly prepared?
Pork belly dishes are popular during Chuseok (Korean harvest festival) and family gatherings because the rich flavor symbolizes abundance. It is also a go‑to comfort meal on rainy days or after a long work week.
What other Korean dishes pair well with pork belly with scallion sauce?
Pair it with classic Korean side dishes such as kimchi, seasoned spinach (sigeumchi namul), and Korean cucumber salad (oi muchim). A bowl of doenjang soup or mild miso broth complements the richness nicely.
What makes Korean pork belly with scallion sauce special compared to other pork belly recipes?
The dish relies on the natural fat of the pork belly to create a silky, glossy sauce without heavy cream. The seasoned scallion sauce adds a fresh, slightly sweet and umami flavor that cuts through the richness, creating a balanced bite.
How has Korean pork belly with scallion sauce evolved over time in modern Korean home cooking?
Modern versions often use pre‑made seasoned scallion sauce for convenience, reducing prep time. Some cooks experiment with adding a touch of honey or brown sugar for caramelization, while others keep the recipe minimalist to highlight the pork’s natural flavor.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Korean pork belly with scallion sauce?
Common errors include overcrowding the pan, which prevents proper browning, and burning the garlic, which adds bitterness. Also, covering too early before the pork has rendered enough fat can result in soggy texture.
Why does this recipe use a low simmer for 35 minutes instead of a quick stir‑fry?
The low simmer allows the pork belly to become tender while the sauce thickens and the flavors meld. A quick stir‑fry would leave the meat chewy and the sauce thin, missing the comforting, melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture the dish is known for.
What does the YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS specialize in?
The YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS focuses on simple, home‑cooked Asian recipes that use minimal extra ingredients. TIFFYCOOKS emphasizes quick techniques, clear step‑by‑step visuals, and budget‑friendly cooking for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS' approach to Korean cooking differ from other Korean cooking channels?
TIFFYCOOKS prioritizes using just a few pantry staples and pre‑made sauces to keep recipes fast and accessible, whereas many Korean cooking channels often dive deep into making every component from scratch. This makes TIFFYCOOKS ideal for busy home cooks who still want authentic flavors.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
