Experience the bold and savory flavors of Japanese cuisine with this Japanese Spicy Pork recipe. This dish combines tender slices of pork belly with a rich, spicy marinade that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in your pantry. Mirin, a sweet rice wine, and sake, a Japanese rice wine, add depth and complexity to the marinade. Gochujang, a Korean chili paste, brings a unique spicy kick. These items can usually be found in the international aisle of your supermarket or at an Asian grocery store.

Ingredients For Japanese Spicy Pork Recipe
Pork belly: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and rich flavor.
Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami taste to the marinade.
Mirin: A sweet rice wine that enhances the flavor profile.
Sake: Japanese rice wine that adds depth to the dish.
Sugar: Balances the savory and spicy elements.
Gochujang: Korean chili paste that provides a spicy kick.
Garlic: Minced for aromatic depth.
Sesame oil: Adds a nutty flavor and aroma.
Vegetable oil: Used for cooking the pork.
Green onions: Chopped for a fresh garnish.
Technique Tip for This Spicy Pork Dish
When marinating the pork belly, make sure to massage the marinade into the meat thoroughly. This helps the flavors penetrate deeper, ensuring each slice is well-seasoned. Additionally, letting the pork marinate for a longer period, such as 30 minutes or even overnight in the refrigerator, can enhance the overall taste and tenderness.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
thinly sliced pork belly - Substitute with thinly sliced chicken thigh: Chicken thigh has a similar fat content and texture, making it a good alternative for achieving a similar mouthfeel and flavor.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that provides a similar umami flavor.
mirin - Substitute with dry sherry: Dry sherry can mimic the sweetness and acidity of mirin, making it a suitable replacement.
sake - Substitute with dry white wine: Dry white wine can replicate the acidity and slight sweetness of sake.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a similar sweetness and a bit of depth to the dish.
korean chili paste gochujang - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha can provide a similar level of heat and a bit of sweetness, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar garlic flavor, though it won't have the same texture.
sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil has a similar nutty flavor and high smoke point, making it a good alternative.
vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
chopped green onions - Substitute with chopped chives: Chives can provide a similar mild onion flavor and a bit of color.
Other Recipes Similar to This Spicy Pork Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the pork belly to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the meat soggy.
- Transfer the cooled pork into an airtight container. Make sure to use a container that seals well to maintain freshness.
- If you plan to consume the Japanese spicy pork within 3-4 days, store it in the refrigerator. Place the container on a middle shelf where the temperature is consistent.
- For longer storage, freeze the pork. Divide it into meal-sized portions and place each portion in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label each with the date to keep track of freshness.
- When ready to eat, thaw the pork in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.
- Reheat the pork in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil to refresh the flavors.
- Avoid microwaving the pork as it can make the meat tough and dry. If you must use a microwave, cover the pork with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Garnish with fresh green onions after reheating to add a burst of freshness and color to your dish.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Microwave Method:
- Place the leftover Japanese spicy pork in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture.
- Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Check the temperature and heat for an additional 30 seconds if needed, until the pork is hot throughout.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the skillet.
- Add the leftover Japanese spicy pork to the skillet.
- Stir occasionally and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the pork is heated through.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover Japanese spicy pork in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pork is thoroughly heated.
Steaming Method:
- Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
- Place the leftover Japanese spicy pork in a heatproof dish and put it in the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the pork is heated through.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover Japanese spicy pork in the air fryer basket.
- Heat for about 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
Essential Tools for Making This Recipe
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine and marinate the ingredients.
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the marinated pork belly over medium-high heat.
Spatula: A tool used to stir and flip the pork belly while it cooks in the skillet.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, gochujang, and sesame oil accurately.
Knife: Used to mince the garlic and chop the green onions.
Cutting board: A surface on which to mince the garlic and chop the green onions.
Tongs: Useful for handling and turning the pork belly slices in the skillet.
Serving plate: A plate to serve the cooked spicy pork, garnished with green onions.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Prepare the marinade ahead: Mix the soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, gochujang, garlic, and sesame oil the night before to save time.
Pre-slice the pork: Buy pre-sliced pork belly or ask your butcher to slice it thinly for you.
Use a hot skillet: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the pork to reduce cooking time.
Chop green onions in advance: Prepare and store chopped green onions in the fridge to use as a quick garnish.
Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Japanese Spicy Pork
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500 g Pork Belly thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Mirin
- 1 tablespoon Sake
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Gochujang Korean chili paste
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 2 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- 2 stalks Green Onions chopped
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, gochujang, garlic, and sesame oil. Mix well.
- 2. Add the sliced pork belly to the bowl and marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- 3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- 4. Add the marinated pork to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- 5. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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