Korean-Inspired Spicy Pork Stir-Fry with Gochujang Sauce
A bold and flavorful pork stir-fry coated in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce served with crisp vegetables and steamed rice. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends pound pork shoulder, thinly sliced, vegetable oil, garlic, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 pound pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 stalks scallions, sliced
- 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- to serve steamed white rice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 pound thinly sliced pork shoulder and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until cooked through and edges start to brown.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger to the pork, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 medium julienned carrot, 1 medium sliced green bell pepper, and 3 sliced scallions. Continue stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sesame oil until smooth. Pour the sauce over the pork and vegetables in the skillet.
- Step 5: Toss everything together for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and evenly coats the stir-fry. Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed white rice.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Korean-Inspired Spicy Pork Stir-Fry with Gochujang Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Korean-Inspired Spicy Pork Stir-Fry with Gochujang Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Korean-Inspired Spicy Pork Stir-Fry with Gochujang Sauce?
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 Stir-Fry with Gochujang Sauce 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 Stir-Fry with Gochujang Sauce?
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.
