Pan-Seared Korean Spicy Pork Bulgogi

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

Thinly sliced pork marinated in a spicy, sweet Korean sauce, then pan-seared until caramelized and tender for a flavorful weeknight meal. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 50 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons gochujang, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 3 sliced green onions to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade, tossing to coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until caramelized and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds over the pork before serving with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 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 Pan-Seared 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 pork shoulder thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared 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-Seared 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-Seared 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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