Easy Gochujang Pork Belly Recipe

Easy Gochujang Pork Belly Recipe is a medium Korean recipe that serves 4. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by Gil Choi on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 1 hr

Cost: $10.52 total, $2.63 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb Pork Belly (skin on, trimmed of excess fat)
  • 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tbsp Honey (for sweetness)
  • 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar (adds acidity)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp Ginger (fresh, grated)
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil (toasted flavor)
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 stalks Green Onions (thinly sliced for garnish)
  • 1 tsp Sesame Seeds (toasted)

Instructions

  1. Trim and Score Pork Belly

    Pat the pork belly dry, trim any ragged edges, and using a sharp knife, lightly score the skin in a cross‑hatch pattern being careful not to cut into the meat.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Make the Sweet‑Spicy Glaze

    In a mixing bowl whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Marinate the Pork Belly

    Place the pork belly in a zip‑top bag or shallow bowl, pour half of the glaze over it, seal, and massage to coat. Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

    Time: PT10M

  4. Preheat Grill or Skillet

    Heat a grill or cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high heat until very hot (about 400°F). Lightly oil the surface.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 400°F

  5. Sear the Pork Belly Skin‑Side Down

    Place the pork belly skin side down on the hot grill/pan. Cook for 5 minutes, pressing gently to keep contact, until the skin starts to crisp and release some fat.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 400°F

  6. Finish Cooking the Meat

    Flip the pork belly and continue cooking, basting with the reserved glaze, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, about 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 145°F

  7. Char with Torch

    Transfer the pork belly to a heat‑proof plate. Brush the top with a thin layer of glaze and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the surface until darkened and smoky, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Rest, Slice, and Serve

    Let the pork rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite‑size pieces. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
420
Protein
18g
Carbohydrates
12g
Fat
30g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Gluten (soy sauce may contain wheat), Pork

Allergens: Soy, Sesame

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Easy Gochujang Pork Belly Recipe

Recipe by Gil Choi

A Korean-inspired pork belly dish that’s sweet, spicy, smoky, and finished with a perfect char using a torch or grill. Serve over rice for a satisfying dinner any night.

MediumKoreanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
25m
Prep
25m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.52
Total cost
$2.63
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Scoring the pork belly skin
  • Marinating for at least 10 minutes
  • Achieving a crisp skin on the grill
  • Using a torch (or broiler) to create the final char

Safety Warnings

  • Use caution when handling a kitchen torch; keep flammable materials away.
  • Ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F to be safe to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of sweet spicy charred pork belly in Korean cuisine?

A

Charred pork belly, known as samgyeopsal, is a staple of Korean barbecue culture. The sweet‑spicy glaze adds a modern twist that blends traditional Korean flavors like gochujang with the universal love for caramelized meat, making it popular for both home cooking and restaurant tables.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of pork belly dishes in Korean cuisine?

A

In Korea, pork belly appears as plain grilled samgyeopsal, as spicy braised bossam, and as marinated galbi‑style pork. The Kuchan‑style version in this recipe emphasizes a sweet‑spicy glaze and torch‑char, which is a contemporary adaptation rather than a historic regional style.

cultural
Q

How is sweet spicy charred pork belly traditionally served in Korea?

A

Traditionally, grilled pork belly is wrapped in lettuce or perilla leaves with ssamjang, garlic, and sliced chilies. In this recipe the pork is sliced and served over steamed rice, but you can also serve it with lettuce wraps and kimchi for an authentic Korean experience.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is pork belly commonly associated with in Korean culture?

A

Pork belly is a favorite for Korean barbecue gatherings, family celebrations, and holiday feasts such as Chuseok. Its communal cooking style encourages sharing, making it ideal for birthdays, reunions, and casual weekend meals.

cultural
Q

What other Korean dishes pair well with sweet spicy charred pork belly?

A

Pair this pork belly with classic Korean sides like kimchi, pickled radish (danmuji), seasoned bean sprouts (kongnamul), and a bowl of steamed short‑grain rice. A light cucumber‑mint salad or a mild miso soup balances the rich, spicy flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Korean pork belly versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Substitutes can be Thai chili paste for gochujang, tamari for soy sauce (gluten‑free), and maple syrup for honey if desired.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making sweet spicy charred pork belly?

A

Common errors include not scoring the skin, over‑cooking the meat, using too much glaze which can burn, and neglecting to let the pork rest. Follow the scoring step, monitor internal temperature, and apply glaze sparingly before torching.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a kitchen torch instead of a longer grill time for the final char?

A

A torch delivers intense, localized heat that caramelizes the glaze quickly without overcooking the interior. This preserves the pork’s juiciness while creating the signature smoky, charred crust that a prolonged grill might not achieve.

technical
Q

Can I make sweet spicy charred pork belly ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can marinate the pork up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. After cooking, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or under a broiler.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the pork belly is done?

A

The skin should be crisp and slightly blistered, the meat should be tender and pink‑ish in the center, and the glaze should be glossy with dark caramelized spots from the torch. An internal temperature of 145°F confirms doneness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Gil Choi specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Gil Choi focuses on Korean home cooking, offering easy‑to‑follow tutorials that blend traditional flavors with modern techniques, often highlighting quick meals, grilling tips, and flavor‑boosting sauces.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Gil Choi's approach to Korean cooking differ from other Korean cooking channels?

A

Gil Choi emphasizes minimal equipment, fast‑track marinades, and the use of everyday kitchen tools like a torch, making Korean dishes accessible for home cooks who may not have a full Korean barbecue setup. Other channels often rely on specialized grills or extensive ingredient lists.

channel

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