Authentic Korean-Style Spicy Pork Buns
Fluffy steamed buns filled with tender, spicy marinated pork, inspired by traditional Korean street food. This korean-inspired quick meals ready in about 45 minutes pairs cubed pork shoulder, soy sauce, gochujang for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cubed pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tsp, grated ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 6, steamed buns
- 2, julienned scallions
- 1 tsp sriracha
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb cubed pork shoulder with 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp gochujang, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Marinate for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated pork and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Step 3: Split 6 steamed buns and stuff each with 1/3 cup cooked pork. Top with 1/4 cup julienned scallions, 1 tsp sriracha, and 1 tsp rice vinegar. Serve warm with additional sriracha on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Korean-Style Spicy Pork Buns take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Authentic Korean-Style Spicy Pork Buns?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cubed pork shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Korean-Style Spicy Pork Buns?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic Korean-Style Spicy Pork Buns for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Authentic Korean-Style Spicy Pork Buns?
Korean quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
