Crispy Pork Belly with Gochujang Sauce (고추장)

Once in a while, I do crave for Korean food. Since most of Korean food use Gochujang sauce (고추장) in their dishes, it is an absolute must to have it handy in my pantry or in the fridge. There are many kinds of Korean meals that you can make using Gochujang. To name a few, Bibimbap (비빔밥), Kimchi Stew (김치찌개), or Tteokbokki (떡볶이). This time, I am making Crispy Pork Belly with Gochujang Sauce(고추장).

There is crunchiness in the dish coated with the red sauce that is sweet and spicy. I find it better to eat this pork belly like, at least, 5 minutes after it cools down. If it is too long, the sauce will make the crispy pork belly a bit soggy – I like it crunchy. However, my husband likes it a bit soggy when the red sauce has penetrated the meat. Well, depending on your taste bud, you can find your own perfect texture for this meal.

Tip: You can add a bit more water to the sauce if it is too thick. I like it thicker, so that’s why I only use ¼ cup of water.

Ingredient:

• 1 lb pork belly – cut into bite-sized
• 2 eggs
• Vegetable oil for frying

For frying mixture:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons tapioca starch
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• A pinch of salt and pepper

For coating:

• 2 tablespoons Gochujang sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons Sesame Oil
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ¼ cup water
• 1 stalk green onion – chopped
• A pinch of toasted sesame seed

Direction:

• Pre-heat the oil in a deep frying pan or deep fryer – about 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Mix well all the frying mixture in a bowl.
• Beat the eggs and dip the pork belly in the beaten egg.
• Take the dipped pork belly and coat it in the frying mixture.
• Fry the pork belly for about 3 minutes or until there is less bubble around the meat. Set aside.
• Heat sesame oil in a separate pan under high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir until it is fragrant.
• Add gochujang sauce, soysauce, sugar and water. Mix well until the sauce is a bit thickens.
• Add the fried pork belly and stir well. Toss the meat fairly well to make sure that it is coated well with the sauce.
• Garnish with the chopped green onion and the toasted sesame seed.