Pan-Roasted Korean Spicy Pork Bulgogi

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

Thinly sliced pork marinated in a spicy-sweet sauce then pan-roasted to caramelized perfection, showcasing Korea's regional flavors. This Korean-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 22 minutes, pairs thinly sliced pork shoulder, 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 340 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: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Whisk together until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated pork in a single layer, cooking for 4-5 minutes without stirring to develop caramelization.
  4. Step 4: Flip and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pork is cooked through and edges are browned.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Roasted Korean Spicy Pork Bulgogi take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Pan-Roasted Korean Spicy Pork Bulgogi?

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 thinly sliced pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Roasted Korean Spicy Pork Bulgogi?

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 Pan-Roasted Korean Spicy Pork Bulgogi 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 Pan-Roasted Korean Spicy Pork Bulgogi?

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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