Gochujang Pork Belly Recipe

Delve into the world of Korean cuisine with this Gochujang Pork Belly recipe. This dish perfectly marries the rich, fatty flavors of pork belly with the spicy, sweet, and umami-packed qualities of gochujang.

Ingredients: Gochujang Pork Belly

• Pork Belly: 500g, thinly sliced into pieces
• Green Onions: 2 stalks, one finely chopped for garnishing, and one roughly chopped for marinating
• Garlic: 6 cloves, minced
• Ginger: One 2-inch piece, minced
• Marinade:
  • Gochujang (Korean Red Chili Paste): 4 tablespoons
  • Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
  • Sugar: 2 tablespoons
  • Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Rice Wine: 1 tablespoon
  • Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground
  • Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon

Preparation: Gochujang Pork Belly

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients. Mix well until the sugar dissolves and the mixture forms a smooth, cohesive sauce.
2. Add the minced ginger, roughly chopped green onion, and half of the minced garlic to the marinade. Stir well to combine.
3. Add the pork belly slices to the marinade. Using your hands or tongs, ensure each slice is well-coated with the marinade.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the pork marinate for a minimum of 2 hours. For best results, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Remove the marinated pork belly from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking.
2. Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the pork belly slices, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
3. Cook each side for about 4-6 minutes, or until the edges start to crisp and the meat is fully cooked. Adjust the heat if necessary to prevent burning.
4. Once cooked, transfer the pork belly slices to a plate. Garnish with the finely chopped green onions, the remaining minced garlic, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Expert Tips:

• For an enhanced flavor, consider adding thinly sliced chilies to the marinade for an extra kick.
• Always ensure your pan or grill is adequately heated before adding the pork to achieve a nice sear.
• Serve with a side of fresh lettuce, steamed rice, and other Korean side dishes for a complete meal.
• It is also delicious to cook with other ingredients such as shrimp or chicken according to your taste.