1 Shares

This Healthy Korean Pork Belly Skillet is a flavorful, fast, and fuss-free dish featuring tender, crispy-edged pork belly marinated in bold Korean spices. With gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, and a touch of honey, it delivers a perfect blend of heat, umami, and sweetness. Ideal for weeknight dinners or quick Korean BBQ-inspired meals, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish and pairs perfectly with rice, kimchi, and pickled vegetables.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 tsp finely chopped fresh ginger
3 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp honey
¼ tsp ground black pepper
1 lb pork belly (skinless, sliced into 2–3 inch pieces, ~1/8-inch thick)
1 small onion, thinly sliced
4 green onions (cut into 2-inch pieces, plus extra for garnish)
Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine ginger, gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.

2. Marinate the Pork
Add sliced pork belly, onion, and green onions to the marinade. Stir well to coat. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

3. Cook the Pork
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork mixture. Stir occasionally and cook for 12–15 minutes, allowing the pork to brown and crisp around the edges. For maximum crispiness, let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes between stirrings.

4. Serve
Transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions. Serve hot with rice, lettuce wraps, or Korean sides.

Nutrients (Whole recipe estimate)

Calories: 1800–2000 kcal
Protein: 85–95g
Fat: 150–160g
Carbohydrates: 50–60g

A Modern Take on Samgyeopsal

Korean pork belly dishes—like samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly)—are cornerstones of Korean cuisine, known for their savory richness and communal-style eating. This skillet version captures the essence of that tradition, but in a simplified, weeknight-friendly form. The use of gochujang and gochugaru gives the dish its signature spicy depth, while soy sauce and honey build a perfectly sticky, crave-worthy glaze.

What makes this version “healthy” is the controlled portion, minimal oil, and balance of fat-to-protein with the use of skinless pork belly slices. Served with rice, lettuce wraps, or an array of pickled veggies, it’s a balanced, nutrient-rich meal that satisfies without the heaviness of deep-fried or heavily sauced takeout options.

Flavor and Texture Explosion

This dish is all about contrast: crispy golden pork belly edges with tender centers, soft caramelized onions, and fresh bursts of scallion. The gochujang lends a deep, fermented spice and sweetness, while the gochugaru provides smoky, slow-burning heat. Toasted sesame oil brings a nutty aroma that permeates the skillet, and honey rounds out the sharp flavors with a silky sheen.

As it cooks, the marinade caramelizes into a thick glaze, clinging to the pork and vegetables and creating that coveted sticky-spicy bite. It’s satisfying in every sense—rich without being greasy, spicy without being overwhelming, and hearty without feeling heavy.

Quick and Simple Preparation

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. The marinade comes together in one bowl and requires only 10 minutes of resting time—just enough to infuse the pork with flavor. The actual cooking time is less than 15 minutes, and the skillet method ensures even browning and caramelization.

Using thinly sliced pork belly not only speeds up cooking time but also enhances the texture, allowing the edges to crisp quickly while the center stays tender. It’s a great recipe for beginner cooks or anyone short on time who still wants a satisfying, restaurant-style dish at home.

Ingredients with Purpose

Gochujang adds fermented depth, mild sweetness, and heat all in one spoonful.
Gochugaru brings vibrant red color and smoky spice, traditional to Korean BBQ.
Soy Sauce balances saltiness and umami, anchoring the marinade.
Honey helps caramelize the meat and balances the heat with a subtle sweetness.
Sesame Oil adds a nutty aroma and signature Korean flavor.
Onion and Green Onion enhance sweetness and texture, becoming caramelized and slightly charred during cooking.
Toasted Sesame Seeds offer crunch and visual contrast as a final garnish.

Every ingredient in this dish is deliberate, creating a symphony of flavor that’s far more than the sum of its parts.

Ideal Pairings and Serving Ideas

This pork belly skillet is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

With Steamed Rice: A classic choice that absorbs the spicy sauce and balances the richness.
In Lettuce Wraps (ssam): Add rice, a piece of pork, kimchi, and a dollop of ssamjang for a low-carb, fresh option.
Alongside Korean Banchan: Serve with kimchi, pickled daikon, cucumber salad, or japchae noodles.
As a Taco Filling: Try it in Asian-fusion tacos with cabbage slaw and lime crema.
Over Noodles or Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb or gluten-free option with just as much flavor.

Tips for the Best Results

Use a well-heated skillet to achieve caramelization and crisp edges on the pork.
Do not overcrowd the pan, especially if doubling the recipe—work in batches if needed.
Let the pork sit undisturbed for 1–2 minutes at a time during cooking to enhance browning.
Thinly slice your pork belly—this ensures quick cooking and ideal texture.
Serve immediately while hot and crisp. If needed, keep warm in a low oven until ready to plate.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish can be partially prepped in advance:

Marinate up to 12 hours ahead for deeper flavor—store covered in the refrigerator.
Cooked leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, use a hot skillet to restore crispiness or microwave in short bursts with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

Leftovers make fantastic rice bowls, wraps, or even breakfast dishes (try it with a fried egg on top).

Nutritional Snapshot

Estimated for the full recipe:

Calories: 1800–2000 kcal
Protein: 85–95g
Fat: 150–160g
Carbohydrates: 50–60g

This is a protein-rich, high-fat dish due to the nature of pork belly, but the ingredients are clean and nutrient-dense. If desired, you can:

Use pork shoulder or lean pork to reduce fat content.
Scale down portion sizes and serve with lots of vegetables to balance richness.
Substitute maple syrup or brown rice syrup for honey for a different sweetener profile.

Conclusion

This Healthy Korean Pork Belly Skillet is a bold, satisfying dish that brings all the best flavors of Korean BBQ into a simple weeknight meal. The combination of spicy gochujang, smoky gochugaru, caramelized pork, and sweet-savory glaze makes every bite unforgettable. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and guaranteed to leave you craving more.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner, a new spin on taco night, or an exciting way to spice up your meal routine, this pork belly skillet delivers in flavor, texture, and presentation. It’s Korean comfort food made easy—fast, fiery, and absolutely delicious.

Pin1