Dinner

Korean Pork Belly with Sweet Soy Glaze Recipe

Name: Korean Pork Belly with Sweet Soy Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs pork belly, skinless and thick-cut; 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 tsp gochujang or red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds; 2 stalks green onions, sliced

Byanna orden March 18, 2026March 18, 2026

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Introduction

Korean Pork Belly with Sweet Soy Glaze is a flavorful dish that balances rich, crispy pork with a sweet and savory glaze. Perfect for a special dinner or casual meal, this recipe brings the vibrant tastes of Korean cuisine right to your kitchen.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with several thick, rectangular pieces of glazed meat stacked in a small pile. Each piece has a shiny, dark brown, caramelized surface with slightly charred edges, showing a juicy, tender texture inside. The meat is generously sprinkled with white sesame seeds and topped with small, bright green slices of fresh scallions scattered across the top. The bowl is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 lbs pork belly (skinless, thick-cut for best texture)
1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp gochujang or red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
2 stalks green onions, sliced

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Mix well to create the glaze.
Step 2: Marinate the pork belly in half of the glaze for about 1 hour to enhance flavor.
Step 3: Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Sear the pork belly slices for 4-5 minutes on each side until crispy and golden brown.
Step 4: During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the remaining glaze over the pork belly to coat evenly.
Step 5: Remove the pork from heat and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Step 6: Serve hot over rice, in lettuce wraps, or alongside noodles.

Tips & Variations

Use honey instead of brown sugar for a richer, natural sweetness.
Add gochujang or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.
For extra crispiness, finish the pork belly under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
Serve with steamed rice and kimchi to complete an authentic Korean meal experience.

Storage

Store leftover pork belly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through to maintain crispness. Avoid overheating to keep the pork tender.

How to Serve

A close-up view of glazed, grilled pork belly pieces stacked in a white bowl, each piece showing a shiny, dark brown caramelized outer layer with a slightly charred texture and pinkish inner meat. The pork belly pieces are garnished with white sesame seeds and bright green chopped scallions scattered evenly on top. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture in the background, enhancing the rich colors of the pork belly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pork belly with skin for this recipe?

Skinless pork belly is preferred for the best texture and even cooking, but if using skin-on, score the skin well and adjust cooking time to ensure it crisps properly.