Spicy Pork Belly Recipe
Make Spicy Pork Belly Recipe in just 50m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pork Belly & Marinade
Cooking & Garnish
Method
Pork Belly & Marinade
- 1
Prepare pork
Pat the pork belly strips dry with paper towels. Season evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Place the strips in a medium mixing bowl or shallow dish.
- 2
Make the marinade
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 tbs soy sauce, 2 tbs gochujang (or sriracha), 2 tbs honey or brown sugar, 1 tbs rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and 1 tsp gochugaru (or red pepper flakes) until smooth and combined.
- 3
Marinate
Pour the marinade over the seasoned pork belly strips. Use tongs or your hands to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. If short on time, marinate while you preheat the pan (minimum 15 minutes).
Cooking & Garnish
- 4
- 5
Sear pork belly
Working in a single layer (cook in two batches if necessary to avoid crowding), place the marinated pork belly strips in the hot pan. Sear without moving for 2–3 minutes to form a caramelized crust, then flip and cook an additional 2–3 minutes. The fat will render and the exterior should be nicely browned and slightly crisp.
- 6
Reduce and glaze
Lower heat to medium. If there is excess rendered fat, pour off all but about 1 tablespoon. Continue to cook the pork and spoon the remaining marinade and pan juices over the pieces as they cook for another 1–2 minutes so the sauce reduces and becomes glossy, coating the pork.
- 7
Finish and rest
Once pork belly is cooked through, caramelized, and slightly sticky with glaze (internal pieces should be hot and tender), transfer to a plate lined with paper towels for 1–2 minutes to rest and drain any excess fat.
- 8
Garnish and serve
Place pork belly on a serving platter. Sprinkle sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds over the top. Serve with lime or lemon wedges and optional cucumber or cilantro. Offer steamed rice, lettuce leaves, or small tortillas for wrapping, if desired.