To make this Korean BBQ-style pork belly, you'll need to gather some specialty ingredients like gochujang (Korean red chili paste), gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes), and mirin (sweet Japanese rice wine).

Pork belly is key - look for it at Asian markets or have your butcher slice it. Onion, garlic, ginger, and green onions round out the flavors. Make sure to get toasted sesame oil and seeds too for garnish.

Prep the Pork Belly for the Best Results

To get ultra-thin slices of pork belly for this recipe, it's best to chill or even freeze it for easier slicing. Then slice the pork belly as thin as you can - about 1/8-inch thick. This lets the flavors penetrate and allows it to cook up crispy. Transfer the sliced pork to a large bowl.

Make the Gochujang Marinade

In a small bowl, combine the gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper. Mix well until it forms a smooth, spicy Korean marinade.

Grate in 1 clove of garlic and mince some ginger - about 1 teaspoon each. Add to the marinade and mix again.

Marinate the Pork Belly

Pour the gochujang marinade over the pork belly slices and mix well with your hands, massaging it into the meat until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!

Prep the Aromatics

While the pork marinates, prep the other ingredients. Thinly slice an onion into strips. Chop up the green onions into 2-inch pieces. Mince the remaining garlic cloves.

Cook the Pork Belly

In a large skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil over high heat. Working in batches, add the marinated pork belly slices in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until starting to get crispy and charred at the edges.

If using pork belly, cook a bit longer, 6-7 minutes per batch. Then transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining pork.

Stir-Fry the Aromatics

Add the sliced onions and green onions to the pan and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry just until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Put It All Together

Return the cooked pork belly slices to the pan and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes more.

Finish and Serve

Transfer the stir-fried gochujang pork belly to a platter. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve right away with steamed rice. Enjoy!

Tips for Making Gochujang Pork Belly

Look for gochujang and gochugaru at Asian grocery stores or online. They are unique Korean ingredients that can't really be subbed.
Let the pork marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Chilling or partially freezing the pork belly makes it easier to slice thinly. A sharp knife helps too.
Cook the pork belly in batches to avoid crowding the pan and steaming instead of searing.
Add the onions toward the end to keep them crispy-tender.
Serve over rice with kimchi and other Korean banchan for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions for Gochujang Pork Belly

This spicy pork is delicious on its own, but there are lots of tasty ways to serve it:

Stuff into lettuce leaf wraps with rice and ssamjang sauce.
Add to ramen bowls along with soft-boiled egg and veggies.
Mix with purple rice for color and nutrition.
Top a bowl of rice with pork, kimchi, and a fried egg.
Wrap in seaweed sheets with rice and veggies for kimbap rolls.
Mix into fried rice or bibimbap along with sauteed veggies.
Add to tteokbokki rice cakes for extra protein.
Stuff into steamed bao buns for Korean pork sliders.

The possibilities are endless with this versatile gochujang pork!

Make It Milder or Spicier

The amount of gochujang and gochugaru give this pork a moderately spicy kick. To tone it down, use less of each. For extra heat, add more!

You can also use less or omit the red pepper flakes entirely if your tastebuds can't handle the fire.

Try Other Proteins

While pork belly is classic, you can use this same gochujang marinade with other thinly sliced meats:

Chicken breast or thighs
Beef flank, skirt, or bulgogi meat
Firm tofu

Slice them thinly and marinate just like the pork belly. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Make It Gluten-Free

This Korean pork belly stir-fry is naturally gluten-free. To keep it that way:

Use tamari instead of soy sauce
Check gochujang for gluten-free brands
Use gluten-free beer instead of mirin
Serve over rice or lentils instead of wheat noodles

With a few easy swaps, anyone can enjoy this flavorful gochujang pork!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another cut of pork besides the belly?

A pork belly is ideal since it has layers of fat and meat that get tender and crispy. But pork shoulder or boston butt would also work. Just slice it thinly.

What if I can't find gochujang or gochugaru?

These Korean chile pastes are signature flavors and not very interchangeable. You could try sambal oelek or sriracha for some heat, but it won't be quite authentic.

Can I marinate it longer than overnight?

Yes, you can safely marinate the pork for up to 2 days in the fridge. The flavor will continue to deepen over time.

Do I have to use a cast iron skillet?

No, any large nonstick or stainless steel skillet will work fine. Just don't use anything with a plastic handle.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely! This pork keeps well for 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Conclusion

With flavorful gochujang pork belly on hand, you'll always be ready for an impromptu Korean BBQ night! Enjoy this versatile stir-fry recipe on its own or in lettuce wraps, buns, bowls, and more.