Spicy Gochujang Pork Belly Recipe (Easy Korean BBQ at Home)

Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Marinating Time: 10 to 60 minutes
Serves: 2 people

If you’re craving bold Korean flavors at home, this Spicy Gochujang Pork Belly recipe delivers everything you want in one sizzling dish. It’s sweet, savory, spicy, and perfectly caramelized. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick marinade, you’ll have juicy pork belly slices that taste like your favorite Korean BBQ spot.

Whether you’re hosting a cookout or making a simple dinner, this gochujang-glazed pork belly is always a hit. You can pan-fry, grill, or even cook it in the oven — all with minimal effort.

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Ingredients for Spicy Gochujang Pork Belly

Main Ingredients

• 500g (1 lb) pork belly, sliced about 1 to 1.5 cm (½ inch) thick
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
• 1 tbsp sugar (white or brown)
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• (Optional) 1 tsp sesame oil
• (Optional) Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the gochujang.

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Step-by-Step: How to Make Gochujang Pork Belly

Step 1: Score the Pork Belly

1. Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts across the surface of each pork belly slice, spaced about ½ to 1 cm apart.
2. This helps the marinade soak in and ensures the meat cooks evenly.
3. You can skip this step if you’re short on time, but scoring gives more flavor payoff.

Step 2: Make the Gochujang Marinade

In a medium bowl, mix the following until smooth:

• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp gochujang
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• (Optional) 1 tsp sesame oil

Taste and adjust the seasoning. If you prefer it spicier, add a pinch of Korean chili flakes (gochugaru). For a slightly tangier flavor, a few drops of rice vinegar work well too.

Step 3: Marinate the Pork Belly

1. Lay the pork belly slices flat on a clean tray or large plate.
2. Spread the marinade evenly over both sides of the meat using a brush or your hands.
3. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the pork becomes.

Step 4: Cook the Pork Belly

You can grill, pan-fry, or oven-bake the pork belly.

For stovetop or grill:

1. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
2. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
3. Cook each pork belly slice for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden, caramelized, and fully cooked.
4. Watch for bubbling gochujang glaze — it should thicken and coat the pork beautifully.

For oven:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Bake pork belly slices on a foil-lined tray for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
3. Broil for the last 2 minutes if you want extra caramelization.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, transfer to a serving plate and garnish with:

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Thinly sliced chili (optional)

Serve it hot with Korean-style lettuce wraps, rice bowls, or a crisp salad on the side.

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Why This Gochujang Pork Belly Recipe Works

• Bold flavor profile: spicy, sweet, garlicky, and rich
• Quick prep: under 10 minutes of active prep time
• Flexible cooking: pan-fry, grill, or bake
• Versatile servings: serve in wraps, over rice, or with veggies
• Beginner-friendly: no special techniques required

The gochujang caramelizes as it cooks, forming a sticky glaze that clings to each slice of pork. It’s addictive and satisfying — a total crowd-pleaser.

Tips for Best Results

• Use fresh pork belly with a good balance of meat and fat.
• Marinate longer for deeper flavor, especially if you’re grilling.
• Avoid high heat at the beginning to prevent burning the marinade.
• Double the marinade if you want to save some for dipping or drizzling.
• Leftovers? Store in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet.

You can also freeze uncooked marinated pork belly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Creative Serving Ideas

1. Korean BBQ Wraps

Serve with perilla leaves or romaine lettuce, along with sliced garlic, ssamjang, and rice. Each bite is customizable.

2. Rice Bowl (덮밥 Style)

Place pork belly slices over steamed white rice. Add a fried egg, cucumber salad, and sesame seeds for a full meal.

3. Asian Tacos

Use soft tortillas, pickled onions, cabbage slaw, and cilantro for a fusion twist. Drizzle with sriracha mayo or lime juice.

4. Salad Topper

Chop grilled pork belly and sprinkle over a sesame vinaigrette-dressed salad. It adds richness and spice to every bite.

Make-Ahead and Storage

• Marinate in advance: Prep the pork belly up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge.
• Batch cooking: Grill all slices and keep warm in a low oven.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in a skillet with a touch of oil to restore crisp edges.

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Final Thoughts

This Gochujang Pork Belly is perfect for fans of Korean flavors or anyone looking to spice up their dinner routine. It brings together smoky grilled pork, a sticky-sweet-spicy glaze, and tons of texture. Whether you eat it in wraps, rice bowls, or tacos, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite.