This Korean Pork Belly Skillet is the ultimate quick-and-flavorful dinner.
With juicy slices of pork belly seared to golden perfection and coated in a bold Korean-inspired sauce, this dish is a weeknight lifesaver.
Everything comes together in one skillet, making cleanup easy while still giving you restaurant-quality flavor.
The best part? It’s versatile—you can serve it with rice, tuck it into lettuce wraps, or pair it with kimchi for a more authentic experience.
If you’re craving a meal that’s fast, flavorful, and sure to satisfy, this recipe will hit the spot every time.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick & Easy – Done in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- One-Pan Wonder – All cooked in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
- Flavor-Packed – Sweet, salty, spicy, and savory all in one bite.
- Versatile – Serve with rice, lettuce wraps, or side dishes like kimchi.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for weeknight family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork belly, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 green onion, sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Pork
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it heat until shimmering. Toss in the pork belly slices and cook until golden and crispy around the edges. This usually takes 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2 – Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic since it cooks quickly.
Step 3 – Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, gochujang, honey, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce over the pork belly in the skillet. Toss well until the pork is evenly coated and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 4 – Garnish & Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice, lettuce wraps, or alongside kimchi for a full Korean-inspired meal.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook the pork belly in batches if necessary for maximum crispiness.
- Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing the gochujang.
- Drain excess pork fat so the sauce doesn’t turn greasy.
Substitutions & Variations
- Protein Swap: Use pork shoulder, chicken thighs, or even tofu for a lighter version.
- Sweeter Option: Substitute honey with brown sugar or maple syrup.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions for more texture.
- No Gochujang?: Replace with sriracha or a mix of chili paste and miso (though flavor will differ slightly).
What to Serve With It
- Steamed jasmine or short-grain rice
- Fresh lettuce leaves for wraps
- Traditional banchan (side dishes) like kimchi, pickled radish, or cucumber salad
- A light miso or seaweed soup to balance the richness
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked pork belly in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
Nutrition & Timing (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Final Thoughts
This Korean Pork Belly Skillet is proof that a quick dinner can still feel indulgent. The combination of crispy pork, bold sauce, and fresh garnishes makes it a standout dish every time. Serve it family-style with rice and sides, or let everyone build their own lettuce wraps for a fun, interactive meal. Either way, it’s going to be a favorite in your kitchen!
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