Korea is known for many exceptional dishes, but one of the most well-loved is Korean pork belly.
Also known as Samgyeopsal, this dish is made using strips of uncured, unsalted, and unbrined pork belly that are grilled.
You then take the pork belly and add in rice, noodles, or something similar to create some of the most flavorful dishes you will ever try.
If you are in the mood for Korean pork belly, then you have come to the right place. We have put together a list of 10 of the best pork belly recipes that you can find in Korean cuisine.
Read on to find out more about each of them and make them at home today.
Popular Korean Pork Belly Recipes
Korean pork belly is enjoyed throughout the country of Korea, and because of this, there are lots of popular recipes centered around it.
Most pork belly recipes are paired with delicious dipping sauces or rice and noodles, so you have lots of options to choose from.
If you want to try some Korean pork belly recipes but don’t know where to start, check out the selection we have included here.
Also known simply as Korean Pork Belly, this recipe is as classic as it gets and it is a taste sensation.
Wrapped in crispy lettuce wraps, the pork belly is tender and juicy. Rich and filled with umami flavors, this dish is the perfect recipe to try if you want to eat some authentic Korean pork belly.
While this dish can be enjoyed by itself, you can make it a bigger meal by pairing the pork belly with some rice or vegetables on the side.
Korean BBQ-style Pork is one of the most well-known dishes in Korean cuisine.
Filled with spicy and savory flavors, this recipe is great for parties and gatherings. The BBQ sauce is made using hot Korean red chili paste (gochujang), sesame oil, sugar, and a few other ingredients.
If you aren’t a fan of spicy food, you can simply leave the Korean red chili paste out when you make this recipe.
Also known as Korean Spicy Pork Stir-Fry, this recipe can be made in minutes, and the results are absolutely divine.
The main ingredients in this recipe aside from pork belly include soy sauce, green onion, ginger, and more. These flavors come together to create a spicy, strong dish that will really ignite your tastebuds.
If you want to bulk up this Daeji Jumulleok a bit more, add in some extra vegetables and experiment with the different flavors and textures.
Pork Belly And Rice Recipes
As we mentioned above, Korean pork belly and rice is a stellar combination, and when you try it for yourself, you will see why!
From comforting rice bowls, all the way to fried rice, there are so many recipes that you can try from the comfort of your own home.
Below, you will find some of the very best Korean pork belly and rice recipes around.
Kimchi Fried Rice is a popular rice dish that can be found all over Korea, and when you add in some pork belly, the whole dish is elevated in flavor.
The short-grain rice is stir-fried with sour kimchi and tender, savory pork belly, which is made aromatic by the spicy gochujang paste.
This is a super simple dish to make and you don’t need many ingredients in order to bring it to life. Don’t forget to add a fried egg on top of this dish if you want a bit of extra garnish.
This recipe takes the signature Korean spicey BBQ pork dish and adds it onto a bed of hot steamed rice with a light sprinkle of vegetables.
What makes this recipe so great is the fact that you can really experiment with the added vegetables.
You can follow the guidelines set out in the recipe, or you can incorporate some of your favorite vegetables to give it a more personal twist.
This recipe only takes 50 minutes in total to make as well, which makes it the perfect choice for a quick mid-week dinner.
Pork Belly And Noodles Recipes
Like rice, noodles are also a staple in Korean cuisine. They are easy to make and pair well with almost any ingredient, and Korean pork belly is no exception.
From filling ramen dishes, all the way to noodle bowls, there is something for everyone when it comes to this combination.
If you are in the mood for some fantastic Korean pork belly and noodles, then check out the selection we have included for you here.
In a lot of ways, this recipe is similar to Daeji Jumulleok, but it goes one step further and adds ramen noodles.
The inclusion of ramen noodles in the stir-fried pork belly makes this dish even more addictive.
Mixed together with aromatic ingredients such as garlic, ginger, and chili, you won’t be able to get enough of this recipe once you try it for yourself.
Another twist in this recipe is the orange zest, which adds a subtle citrus flavor to the whole dish. Refreshing, a little spicy, and full of umami, this stir-fried pork belly noodle recipe isn’t one you want to miss.
‘Bulgogi’ literally means ‘fire meat’ and gui is made of thin, marinated slices of meat, grilled on a barbecue or on a stove-top griddle.
This version of Bulgogi uses pork belly as the main ingredient, as well as egg noodles, topped with fresh broccoli and green beans.
If you want a full Korean experience, don’t forget to add in the red chili flakes to give the recipe an extra kick. But if you aren’t a fan of spice, you can simply leave them out when you make it.
More commonly known as Korean Black Bean Noodles, Jajangmyeon is made with a delicious savory black bean sauce that will be ready in 30 minutes.
This Korean-Chinese noodle dish is incredibly popular and it combines pork belly, black beans, and vegetables to create a refreshing dish that is perfect for the mid-week.
Other ingredients include onions, cabbage, zucchini, and cucumbers, but you can customize the vegetables in any way you see fit.
This is one of those dishes that leaves a lot of room for interpretation, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
These recipes are perfect for those days when you need a bit of extra comfort in your meal. They are warm and hearty and a lot easier to make than they might originally seem.
More commonly known as Kimchi Stew, this recipe is super comforting and jam-packed with flavor.
Kimchi-jjigae is one of the most beloved-stew recipes in all of Korea, and it’s not hard to see why. Blending the sour flavors of kimchi with the umami-rich pork belly in a salty broth that is highly addictive.
The recipe calls for anchovy stock, but you can make it with chicken or vegetable stock if you would prefer.
When it comes to flavor, it doesn’t get much better than this Korean stew.
Combining ender pork belly, soft tofu, and flavorful kimchi in a spicy and savory broth, this recipe is sure to fill you up on colder nights. It is incredibly comforting, filled with rich ingredients you will want to make again and again.
You can use store-bought kimchi to save some time, but we highly recommened making your own to truly enjoy what this dish has to offer.
Conclusion
Pork belly can be found in abundance in Korea and it’s not hard to see why.
Rich in flavor and incredibly versatile, pork belly makes any dish you add it to absolutely incredible.
Try some of these dishes for yourself and see which ones you enjoy the most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Koreans Eat Pork Belly With?
Pork Belly can be paired with lots of different ingredients and foods in Korean cuisine, but some of the most popular choices include rice, noodles, kimchi, Ssamjang (Korean spicy dipping sauce), and fresh vegetables.
Is Korean Pork Belly Just Bacon?
No, Korean pork belly is not just bacon. It is strips of the pork belly and grilled, and it is usually uncured, unsalted, and unbrined. Bacon on the other hand is brined/cured and smoked with a hardwood like hickory, Applewood, or pecan wood.
What Is Korean Pork Belly Called?
While it is common for it to just be called ‘Korean pork belly’ the actual name of this dish in Korea is Samgyeopsal.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
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