Korean-Style Spicy Pork Bulgogi with Sesame and Scallions
Thinly sliced pork marinated in a spicy-sweet Korean sauce, quickly stir-fried with sesame and scallions 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 360 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 sliced green onions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp gochujang, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp water to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated pork in a single layer and stir-fry for 6-8 minutes until pork is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice and kimchi if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Korean-Style Spicy Pork Bulgogi with Sesame and Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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-Style Spicy Pork Bulgogi with Sesame and Scallions?
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-Style Spicy Pork Bulgogi with Sesame and Scallions?
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-Style Spicy Pork Bulgogi with Sesame and Scallions 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-Style Spicy Pork Bulgogi with Sesame and Scallions?
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.