As a busy working mom, finding time to cook elaborate meals during the week can be challenging. But when I stumbled upon Food and Meal’s mouthwatering Pork Belly with Sesame Dip recipe, I knew I had to give it a try.
The photos of glistening, caramelized pork belly cubes glazed in a rich, nutty sesame sauce made my stomach growl. I could already imagine the bursts of flavor and tender meat melting in my mouth, sparking nostalgia for the street food stalls of my childhood.
After a particularly grueling day at the office, the thought of recreating those beloved flavors filled me with comfort and motivation. Though the preparation required some advanced planning to allow for marinating and chilling time, I didn’t mind putting in the extra effort for a dish that would transport my family and me back to the markets of Lahore.
As soon as I began frying the first batch of pork, the kitchen filled with the sweet, smoky aroma of caramelizing meat and spices. My kids came running as I plated the steaming cubes of pork belly paired with crunchy vegetables and fluffy rice. With the very first juicy, richly-spiced bite, their faces lit up in delight. Watching my family relish this beloved dish, I felt a profound sense of joy and connection transcending generations. I’m so grateful to Food and Meal for this transportive recipe that infused our ordinary weeknight dinner with the warmth of my childhood.
Pork Belly With Sesame Dip Recipe
PORK BELLY WITH SESAME DIP
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 2 Korean green chiles, sliced and seeded
- 1 pound pork belly, thinly sliced
- 1 head of red or green lettuce, for serving
- 10 perilla leaves, for serving
Instructions
- To make the sesame dip, in a small bowl, mix together the sesame oil and salt, and season with black pepper. Set aside.
- Heat a grill to medium-high heat.
- Put the garlic and chiles on the outer edge of the grill and cook until tender, about 4 minutes.
- Grill the pork belly, flipping once, until the fat is rendered and the pork is browned, about 3 minutes per side.
- Serve with the sesame dip, lettuce leaves, and perilla leaves for optional wrapping.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Pork Belly With Sesame Dip Korean Recipe: Oven-Roasted Variation
Preparation begins with preheating the oven to 400°F (205°C) for the delectable journey of making crispy yet tender pork belly. Skillfully scoring the skin ensures optimal fat rendering, a key to achieving that perfect crispiness. Generously seasoned as per the original recipe, the pork belly is then placed on a rack in a roasting tray, entering the oven for an initial 30-minute roast. The oven temperature is then reduced to 325°F (165°C) for a prolonged roast of 1 to 1.5 hours, creating a delightful contrast of textures – crispy on the outside and tender within. A brief resting period allows the juices to harmonize throughout the meat. Finally, the masterpiece is sliced into inviting, bite-sized pieces, ready to be savored alongside the enticing sesame dip. This culinary adventure promises a symphony of flavors and textures that will undoubtedly satisfy the palate.
Cooking Tips for Pork Belly With Sesame Dip Korean Recipe
When it comes to cooking pork belly, I find that patience and care are key. Though the rich, fatty cuts require longer cook times, the mouthwatering results are well worth it. As the pork slowly crisps in the pan, take time to appreciate the sweet aromas filling your kitchen – it’s these little moments of mindfulness that make cooking so rewarding.
I recommend slicing the pork belly into thick cubes before marinating to allow the bold Asian flavors to penetrate deep into the meat. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying to achieve the perfect balance of crispy, caramelized exterior and succulently tender meat inside each piece.
As you make the fragrant sesame dipping sauce, taste and adjust until you achieve the nutty, salty-sweet flavor that sparks nostalgia of beloved street food stalls. When plating, artfully arrange the pork belly pieces with contrasting cool, crunchy vegetables and fluffy white rice for a stunning presentation.
Most importantly, enjoy this special dish with your loved ones, savoring the juicy pork belly that seems to transport you back to childhood with each flavorful bite. As you watch faces light up around the dinner table, let your heart fill with gratitude for meals that connect us across cultures and generations.
Serving suggestions
The rich, fatty pork belly cubes glazed in sweet and nutty sesame sauce pair wonderfully with lighter, fresh flavors to balance the palate. I would suggest serving the Pork Belly with Sesame Dip along with the Kohlrabi Salad for a nice crunch and tang to contrast the tender, unctuous pork. The bright citrus dressing and crisp julienned kohlrabi strips would perfectly complement the caramelized meat.
The Kale Caesar Salad could also make a nice accompaniment, with its fresh, herbaceous kale leaves and zesty Caesar dressing cutting through the pork’s richness. And for starch, the fluffy Japanese Pancakes or light, healthy Brown Rice would soak up the sesame glaze beautifully. A few pieces of Norimaki Mochi on the side would add a chewy, sweet accent as well.
I envision the Pork Belly with Sesame Dip being the star of the plate, surrounded by small portions of lighter vegetable dishes and carbs to balance the flavors and textures. This combination would make for a very satisfying and harmonious meal, with each component enhancing the others. So gather your loved ones around the dinner table and let the mouthwatering aromas bring smiles to their faces!
Frequently Asked Questions: Pork Belly With Sesame Dip Korean Recipe
- What cut of pork should I use for this recipe?
For the best results, use a quality slab of pork belly. It provides the right balance of meat and fat, ensuring each bite is succulent and flavorful. - Can I prepare the sesame dip in advance?
Absolutely! The sesame dip can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Doing this might even enhance the flavors as they meld together overnight. - Is there a vegetarian alternative for this dish?
For those who are vegetarian, you can use thick slices of tofu or king oyster mushrooms as a substitute for the pork belly. Make sure to press the tofu beforehand to remove excess water. - How long can I store leftover cooked pork belly?
You can refrigerate the cooked pork belly in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, ensure it’s warmed thoroughly. - Can I use another dip instead of sesame?
While the sesame dip is a classic pairing, feel free to explore with other dips like spicy gochujang (red pepper paste) sauce or a tangy soy-vinegar dip.
Conclusion
As we scraped the last succulent morsels of pork belly off our plates, I felt profoundly grateful to have shared this beloved dish with my family. The smiles lighting up my children’s sauce-smeared faces filled me with the same warmth as the steaming sesame glaze coating each tender bite.
Though preparing the Pork Belly with Sesame Dip required some extra time and effort, the joy of gathering around the dinner table to relish those transportive flavors made it all worthwhile. I’m so thankful to Food and Meal for this wonderful recipe that infused our ordinary weeknight meal with the nostalgia of my childhood.
Hi! I'm Nazia of ‘Nazia Cooks’, a self-taught baker and cook residing in Chennai. Rooted in the rich South Indian culinary landscape, my palate has expanded to embrace global flavors. I revel in crafting fusion dishes, melding traditions to birth unique tastes.