15 Irresistible Korean Pork Belly Recipes to Try at Home (Easy & Flavor-Packed)"
Delicious Korean Pork Belly Recipes You Can Make at Home
Introduction: Why Korean Pork Belly Is So Popular
Korean pork belly, also known as samgyeopsal, has become a global food trend—and for good reason. This thick, juicy, and flavorful cut of meat is incredibly versatile and easy to cook. Whether you like it grilled, stir-fried, boiled, or even wrapped in lettuce with spicy sauce, pork belly is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 mouth-watering Korean pork belly recipes, from traditional BBQ to creative modern twists. Don’t worry—we’ve removed all Korean characters and explained everything in simple, clear English so you can follow along easily.
Let’s dig in!
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Image Credit: Pixabay |
What Is Samgyeopsal?
The word 'Samgyeopsal' comes from Korean and means 'three-layered meat,' a nod to the rich, flavorful layers of fat and meat found in every slice of pork belly.It’s usually cut thick and grilled to crispy, juicy perfection.making it juicy, crispy, and tender all at once.
Must-Have Ingredients for Korean Pork Belly Dishes
Here are some ingredients you’ll often see in Korean pork belly recipes. YYou can easily pick these up at your local Asian grocery store or order them online.
Gochujang is a rich, red chili paste known for its bold flavor—it’s the perfect blend of heat, sweetness, and umami.
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Gochugaru – Korean red chili flakes
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Doenjang – fermented soybean paste
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Soy sauce
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Garlic
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Ginger
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Sugar or honey
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Sesame oil
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Rice vinegar
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Kimchi – spicy fermented cabbage
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Green onions
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Lettuce or perilla leaves – for wrapping
Top Korean Pork Belly Recipes (No Korean Characters Needed!)
Let’s go through 15 tried-and-true Korean-style pork belly dishes you can make at home.
1. Classic Grilled Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal)
Ingredients:
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Thick-cut pork belly slices
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Salt and pepper
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Just mix a bit of salt into sesame oil—it makes a quick and tasty dipping sauce.
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Lettuce, garlic, and kimchi (for serving)
How to Make:
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Heat a grill or skillet to medium heat.
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Grill pork belly until golden and crispy on both sides.
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Dip each piece in sesame oil with salt.
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Wrap in lettuce with grilled garlic, kimchi, and a little rice.
2. Spicy Pork Belly Stir-Fry
It’s bold, spicy, and tastes amazing served over a bowl of warm rice.
Ingredients:
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Sliced pork belly
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Gochujang (chili paste)
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Soy sauce
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Sugar
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Garlic
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Onion
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Carrot
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Green onions
How to Make:
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Toss the pork belly in a mix of gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic until it’s fully coated."
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Stir-fry in a pan with onion and carrot.
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Cook until pork is caramelized and veggies are tender.
3. Boiled Pork Belly Wraps (Bossam Style)
Boiling pork belly makes it incredibly soft and flavorful.
Ingredients:
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A block of pork belly
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Garlic and ginger
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Soybean paste (doenjang)
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Onion
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Cabbage or lettuce leaves
How to Make:
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Simmer the pork belly with garlic, ginger, and onion for about 1 to 1.5 hours until it’s tender and full of flavor.
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Let cool slightly, then slice.
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Serve with cabbage, kimchi, and spicy dipping sauce.
4. Pork Belly and Kimchi Stew
With its bold spice, tangy kick, and cozy warmth, this stew is the kind of dish that makes cold days feel a little more bearable.
Ingredients:
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Aged kimchi
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Pork belly (cubed)
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Onion
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Garlic
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Tofu (optional)
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Chili flakes
How to Make:
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Stir-fry pork and kimchi with a little oil.
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Add water and bring to a boil.
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Add onion, tofu, and simmer for 20–30 minutes.
5. Pork Belly Fried Rice
Easy, filling, and super tasty.
Ingredients:
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Cooked rice
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Chopped pork belly
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Kimchi
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Soy sauce
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Egg
How to Make:
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Fry pork belly until crispy.
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Add kimchi and stir for 2 minutes.
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Add rice and soy sauce. Mix well.
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Top with a fried egg.
6. Sweet and Spicy Pork Belly Skewers
Perfect for grilling or oven baking.
Ingredients:
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Pork belly chunks
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Gochujang
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Honey
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Soy sauce
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Sesame oil
How to Make:
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Marinate pork in sauce for 1 hour.
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Thread onto skewers.
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Grill or bake at 400°F (200°C) until caramelized.
7. Lettuce Wraps with Pork Belly
These wraps are a healthy, fun way to eat grilled pork.
What You Need:
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Grilled pork belly
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Lettuce or perilla leaves
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Cooked rice
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Garlic slices
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Chili paste
How to Make:
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Lay down a leaf.
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Add a piece of pork, some rice, a slice of garlic, and a little sauce to a lettuce leaf—wrap it up and enjoy a flavor-packed bite.
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Wrap and eat in one bite!
8. Pork Belly Bulgogi
A twist on the classic Korean beef dish using pork belly.
How to Make:
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Marinate thin pork belly slices in soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and grated apple or pear.
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Stir-fry on high heat until caramelized.
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Serve with rice and side dishes.
9. Korean Pork Belly Tacos (Fusion Style)
Great for foodies who love mixing cultures.
What You’ll Need:
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Small tortillas
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Grilled pork belly
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Pickled vegetables
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Chili mayo or gochujang sauce
How to Make:
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Warm tortillas.
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Add pork, pickles, and sauce.
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Fold and enjoy!
10. Crispy Pork Belly Bites
Perfect as an appetizer or game-day snack.
How to Make:
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Cut pork belly into bite-size pieces.
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Season and deep fry or air fry.
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Serve with dipping sauce.
11. Oven-Roasted Spicy Pork Belly
A great alternative if you don’t want to grill.
How to Make:
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Let the pork belly soak up the flavors by marinating it in chili paste, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sugar.
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Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes.
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Slice and serve.
12. Stir-Fried Pork Belly with Vegetables
Quick, easy, and well-balanced.
How to Make:
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Stir-fry pork belly in a hot pan.
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Add onions, bell peppers, and zucchini.
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Drizzle in some soy sauce and a pinch of chili to kick up the flavor.
13. Pork Belly and Noodles
Comfort food with a Korean twist.
How to Make:
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Boil or pan-fry pork belly.
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Toss it into cooked noodles along with some chili paste and your favorite vegetables.
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Mix and top with sesame seeds.
14. Pork Belly Pancake
Crispy and savory—great as a side dish or snack.
How to Make:
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Mix pancake batter with chopped kimchi.
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Lay the thin pork belly slices on a hot pan and let them sizzle until they’re golden and crisp.
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Pour batter over and cook until crispy.
15. Soy-Braised Pork Belly
Rich, sweet, and savory—perfect with rice.
How to Make:
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Sear pork belly pieces.
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Add soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and water.
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Simmer until the sauce thickens and pork is tender.
Tips for Perfect Korean Pork Belly at Home
1. Choose the Right Cut
Look for thick, evenly layered pork belly with a balance of fat and meat.
2. Don't Skip the Marinade
Marinating helps the flavors soak in and makes the meat more tender.
3. Cook It Right
Grill for smoky flavor, pan-fry for crispiness, or braise for tenderness.
4. Pair It with Fresh Sides
Crisp lettuce, fluffy rice, and tangy pickled veggies help cut through the richness of pork belly, creating the perfect bite.
Healthier Ways to Enjoy Pork Belly
If you're trying to keep things lighter:
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Use an air fryer to reduce oil.
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Cut off extra fat before or after cooking.
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Serve with plenty of vegetables.
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Avoid too much sugar in marinades.
Conclusion: Bring Korean Flavor to Your Table
There you have it—15 simple, flavorful Korean pork belly recipes you can easily make at home, without needing to read a word of Korean. Whether you’re in the mood for a backyard BBQ, a comforting stew, or a spicy stir-fry, pork belly is a delicious, versatile choice.
All you need is the right ingredients, a bit of prep time, and a big appetite. So why wait? Try one of these recipes tonight and impress your family or friends with a taste of Korea!
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FAQs
1. Do I need a grill to cook Korean pork belly?
Yes! You can use a cast iron pan, oven, or air fryer for great results.
2. Is pork belly the same as bacon?
Not exactly. Pork belly is unsmoked and unseasoned, while bacon is usually cured and thinner.
3. Where can I buy gochujang or other Korean ingredients?
You can find them at Asian supermarkets or online on sites like Amazon.
4. Can I make these dishes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Most of these dishes keep well in the fridge for up to three days—just reheat and enjoy.
5. Are these recipes good for a keto diet?
Yes! Most grilled or roasted pork belly recipes are keto-friendly since they're low in carbs and high in healthy fats. Just avoid sugary marinades.
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