This Korean Pork Belly with Sweet Soy Glaze is a harmonious blend of crispy, tender pork coated in a savory-sweet sauce. The combination of gochujang, soy sauce, and honey creates a flavor profile that is both rich and comforting. With the perfect balance of crispy skin and melt-in-your-mouth meat, this dish is a showstopper for any meal.
The glossy, dark sauce glistens on the pork belly, making it irresistible to the eyes and taste buds. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, it not only tastes incredible but also looks stunning on the plate. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or impressing guests at a special occasion, this dish is sure to leave everyone craving more.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb pork belly, skin on
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1 tablespoon honey
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1-inch piece ginger, grated
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1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds
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2 green onions, chopped
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1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Score the skin of the pork belly in a crosshatch pattern.
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Heat vegetable oil in a heavy oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Sear the pork belly, skin-side down, for 3-4 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the pork belly over and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
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Remove the pork belly from the pan and set aside.
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In the same pan, add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, and gochujang to the pan. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
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Return the pork belly to the pan, skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the top.
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Transfer the pan to the oven and roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour, basting the pork belly every 15 minutes with the sauce.
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Once the pork belly is tender and caramelized, remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
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Slice the pork belly into thick pieces and drizzle with the sauce from the pan. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
What Makes Korean Pork Belly So Special?
The secret to the popularity of Korean Pork Belly lies in its balance of fat and meat. Pork belly is inherently tender and juicy, thanks to its high fat content. In traditional Korean BBQ, the fat is rendered as the pork is grilled, allowing it to become crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender inside. When roasted in the oven with a sweet soy glaze, the flavors deepen, creating a caramelized exterior that is both crispy and delicious.
The glaze is a crucial element of this dish. It combines elements of savory, sweet, and spicy—often made with soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and gochujang (Korean chili paste). The result is a deeply flavorful sauce that coats the pork belly beautifully, enhancing its natural richness and giving it a distinctive Korean flair.
How to Enjoy Korean Pork Belly
Korean Pork Belly can be served in a variety of ways, and part of the fun of making this dish at home is customizing it to your taste. The pork can be sliced into bite-sized pieces and served over a bed of steamed rice, alongside traditional Korean sides such as kimchi, pickled vegetables, or a simple salad.
Another popular way to enjoy Korean Pork Belly is by wrapping it in fresh lettuce leaves with a bit of rice, a dollop of gochujang, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The freshness of the lettuce perfectly balances the richness of the pork belly, creating a flavorful and satisfying bite.
For those who love a bit of crunch, adding roasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions on top before serving will provide a delightful contrast to the tender pork. If you’re looking to enhance the flavor profile further, pair it with a refreshing cucumber salad or a tangy kimchi for a well-rounded meal.
Why Pork Belly?
Pork belly is a cut of meat that is prized for its balance of fat and lean meat. It’s known for its versatility, allowing for different cooking techniques to bring out its best qualities. While it’s commonly used in both Korean and Chinese cuisine, pork belly is also widely appreciated in Western kitchens for its deliciousness when braised, roasted, or grilled.
The fat in pork belly serves not only to tenderize the meat but also to impart a richness that is deeply satisfying. As it cooks, the fat renders down, leaving behind a crispy, caramelized layer that adds texture and flavor. In Korean Pork Belly dishes, this combination of crispiness and tenderness is what makes each bite so irresistible.
The Importance of the Sweet Soy Glaze
The sweet soy glaze is one of the key features that elevate this dish. The glaze is made from a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and sometimes gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a subtle kick. This blend of ingredients creates a sauce that is both savory and sweet, which perfectly complements the fatty richness of the pork belly.
The sweetness comes from the brown sugar and honey, while the soy sauce provides the savory umami notes. Gochujang, a fermented chili paste, adds a touch of heat and depth to the sauce, balancing out the sweetness and giving the dish its signature Korean flavor profile. This glaze is brushed onto the pork belly during roasting, allowing it to caramelize and create that beautiful, sticky coating that makes Korean Pork Belly so irresistible.
Tips for Making Perfect Korean Pork Belly
To get the perfect Korean Pork Belly, a few tips can go a long way in ensuring the best results:
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Choosing the Right Pork Belly: When buying pork belly, look for one that has a good balance of fat and meat. The fat should be evenly distributed, as this will ensure that the pork belly becomes tender and juicy when cooked.
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Scoring the Skin: Scoring the skin of the pork belly helps it crisp up during cooking. Make sure to score in a crosshatch pattern, which will allow the fat to render out more evenly and create a crunchy texture.
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Basting the Pork Belly: As the pork belly roasts, make sure to baste it with the glaze every 15 minutes. This will not only help the glaze adhere to the pork but also ensure that it caramelizes evenly.
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Resting Time: After removing the pork belly from the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
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Customization: Feel free to experiment with the glaze by adjusting the sweetness or spiciness to suit your preferences. If you want a more pronounced heat, add extra gochujang or some red pepper flakes.
Pairing Suggestions
Korean Pork Belly is a rich and flavorful dish, so it pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides. Traditional Korean accompaniments like kimchi (fermented vegetables) offer a tangy contrast to the richness of the pork. You can also serve it with a simple cucumber salad to add freshness and crunch.
If you prefer a heartier meal, serve the pork belly alongside some steamed white rice or a bowl of savory ramen. The rice helps absorb the rich flavors of the pork and glaze, making each bite even more satisfying.
Health Considerations
While Korean Pork Belly is undeniably delicious, it’s important to keep in mind that pork belly is a fattier cut of meat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation. The fat in the pork belly does contribute to its tenderness and flavor, but if you’re concerned about fat intake, you can opt for leaner cuts of pork or try trimming some of the fat off before cooking.
To make the dish a bit healthier, you can focus on pairing the pork belly with plenty of vegetables or lighter side dishes. Incorporating greens and fresh vegetables will add fiber and nutrients, helping to balance out the richness of the meat.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Korean Pork Belly
Korean Pork Belly is a dish that offers a perfect combination of textures and flavors. The crispy skin, tender meat, and sweet-savory glaze make it a truly unforgettable meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a special family meal, or simply craving something delicious, this recipe is sure to impress.
With just a few ingredients and some simple techniques, you can recreate this classic Korean dish at home. From the melt-in-your-mouth pork belly to the sticky, glossy glaze, every bite is an explosion of flavor that will transport you straight to Korea. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’ll have a well-rounded, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a long-time fan, this Korean Pork Belly recipe is worth trying. It’s flavorful, impressive, and perfect for any occasion. So, fire up the oven, gather your ingredients, and indulge in this irresistible Korean delicacy today!