Korean-Inspired Spicy Pork Bulgogi Stir Fry with Sesame

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick stir fry combining tender pork strips marinated in a spicy-sweet Korean sauce, finished with sesame seeds and scallions. This Korean-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, thinly sliced, soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger. Marinate for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated pork in a single layer and stir fry for 6-8 minutes, tossing frequently, until pork is cooked through and caramelized at edges.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 sliced green onions and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately over 3 cups cooked white rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Korean-Inspired Spicy Pork Bulgogi Stir Fry with Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 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 Korean-Inspired Spicy Pork Bulgogi Stir Fry with Sesame?

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 pork shoulder, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Korean-Inspired Spicy Pork Bulgogi Stir Fry with Sesame?

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 Korean-Inspired Spicy Pork Bulgogi Stir Fry with Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Korean-Inspired Spicy Pork Bulgogi Stir Fry with Sesame?

Korean pork 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.

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