Korean Stir-Fried Pork Bulgogi with Gochujang and Sesame

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

A vibrant regional Korean stir-fry featuring tender pork marinated in spicy gochujang sauce and toasted sesame for bold flavor. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork shoulder, thinly sliced, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade and toss until fully coated. Let marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium sliced white onion and 1 medium julienned carrot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften but retain some crunch.
  4. Step 4: Add the marinated pork and stir-fry for 6-8 minutes until pork is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup sliced green onions and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Korean Stir-Fried Pork Bulgogi with Gochujang and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Stir-Fried Pork Bulgogi with Gochujang and 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 Stir-Fried Pork Bulgogi with Gochujang and 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 Stir-Fried Pork Bulgogi with Gochujang and 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 Stir-Fried Pork Bulgogi with Gochujang and 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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