Korean Pork Belly Skillet

This Korean Pork Belly Skillet is your go-to solution when you want something bold, spicy, and seriously satisfying in under 30 minutes. Inspired by traditional Korean flavors, this dish delivers the rich umami of pork belly combined with the vibrant kick of gochujang, all balanced with tender vegetables and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving Asian comfort food, it’s a one-pan meal that’s both simple and impressive. Serve it over rice for a complete meal, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option. It’s a crowd-pleaser and ideal for meal prep too flavors deepen as it sits!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork belly, thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 2 green onions, chopped

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Cooked rice, for serving

Directions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the pork belly slices and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add onions, zucchini, mushrooms, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until vegetables are tender.

4. In a small bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey.

5. Return the pork belly to the skillet, pour the sauce over the top, and stir well to coat everything evenly.

6. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and glazed.

7. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

8. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 485 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

A Journey into Korean Home Cooking

Korean cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, colorful presentations, and bold use of spices. One of the most beloved ingredients in Korean kitchens is pork belly a rich, fatty cut that lends itself beautifully to a variety of cooking methods. From grilled samgyeopsal (삼겹살) at Korean BBQ joints to braised dishes and quick skillet meals, pork belly has earned its place as a comfort food icon.

The Korean Pork Belly Skillet is a modern take on traditional Korean cooking. It draws from the deep, savory flavors of gochujang (fermented chili paste), the nuttiness of sesame oil, and the freshness of sautéed vegetables, all cooked together in one skillet for ultimate convenience. This dish is a celebration of balance heat and sweetness, richness and freshness, comfort and excitement.

What Makes This Dish Special?

What sets the Korean Pork Belly Skillet apart is its simplicity and depth of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like it took hours to make, but comes together in less than 30 minutes. The marriage of spicy-sweet gochujang with the umami-rich pork belly creates a base that’s irresistible. Add tender vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and onions, and you’ve got a hearty, satisfying meal in one pan.

This skillet is also versatile. You can customize the vegetables based on what’s in season or what’s in your fridge. You can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of gochujang. It can be served over rice for a complete meal, or with a simple green salad for a lighter option. It’s easy to make low-carb or gluten-free with just a few tweaks.

The Role of Gochujang: Korea’s Flavor Powerhouse

No conversation about Korean flavors is complete without talking about gochujang. This thick, red chili paste is made from fermented soybeans, glutinous rice, red chili powder, and salt. It adds not just heat but also depth, sweetness, and umami, making it a cornerstone of Korean cuisine.

In this skillet dish, gochujang acts as the flavor glue. When combined with soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and aromatics like garlic and ginger, it creates a glaze that coats the pork and vegetables in bold flavor. The slight caramelization that occurs during the final minutes of cooking intensifies the flavors, making every bite a little explosion of sweet, spicy, and savory notes.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Profile

While pork belly is a fattier cut of meat, it also contains essential nutrients like B vitamins, zinc, and iron. When enjoyed in moderation and paired with nutrient-rich vegetables, it can be part of a balanced diet. The addition of mushrooms and zucchini not only adds fiber but also antioxidants and minerals that support overall health.

Gochujang, though often used sparingly, provides some benefits too. It contains capsaicin, which is known to boost metabolism and improve digestion. Fermented foods like gochujang may also support gut health thanks to their natural probiotics.

If you’re watching your calorie or fat intake, consider using less pork belly or mixing it with leaner proteins like chicken or tofu. Alternatively, reduce the oil and let the pork belly render in its own fat. This way, you still get rich flavor with a slightly lighter profile.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

One of the best things about this dish is how quick and easy it is to make. It requires minimal prep, no marinating time, and just one pan. That means less time cooking, less cleaning up, and more time enjoying your meal.

It’s also ideal for meal prep. You can cook a big batch and store it in the fridge for 3–4 days. The flavors only deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious. Pack it with rice or noodles for a quick lunch, or reheat and serve with fresh greens for a nourishing dinner.

For those looking to cut down on takeout without sacrificing flavor, this is a fantastic recipe to add to your rotation. It’s got the indulgence of a restaurant meal, but with the control and customization of home cooking.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

This skillet meal pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or short-grain rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce and balances the spice. If you’re going for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach work wonderfully.

To round out the meal, consider serving it with:

• A small bowl of kimchi for added crunch and tang

• A fried or poached egg on top for extra richness

• Lightly dressed cucumber salad to cool down the heat

• Pickled radish or daikon for a pop of acidity

If you’re entertaining guests or want to elevate the presentation, serve it in a cast-iron skillet right on the table, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for a restaurant-style look.

Korean Cuisine, Made Accessible

This recipe is a great entry point into Korean cooking. It doesn’t require specialty tools or hard-to-find ingredients. Gochujang is now widely available at most grocery stores or online, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples.

Even if you’re unfamiliar with Korean cuisine, this dish feels familiar. The stir-fry method, the sweet-savory glaze, and the one-skillet format all align with common Western cooking techniques. But it brings something new to the table a bold, spicy kick that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Cookbook

If you’re building a home recipe collection or digital cookbook, the Korean Pork Belly Skillet deserves a permanent spot. It checks all the boxes:

• Flavor-packed and satisfying

• Quick and easy to make

• Customizable and versatile

• Perfect for leftovers

• Great for weeknights or casual entertaining

It’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again, whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or your guests. The ingredients are affordable, the prep is minimal, and the results are always impressive.

Conclusion:

In a world of complicated recipes and endless ingredient lists, the Korean Pork Belly Skillet stands out as a dish that’s bold in flavor but simple in execution. It bridges the gap between traditional Korean food and modern weeknight cooking, delivering comfort and excitement in every bite.

Whether you’re a fan of spicy food, a pork belly enthusiast, or just looking to try something new, this recipe delivers. It’s the kind of meal that brings warmth to the table, encourages second helpings, and leaves you planning when you’ll make it again.