Pan-Seared Korean Spicy Pork Bulgogi with Scallions
Tender strips of pork marinated in a spicy Korean gochujang sauce, pan-seared with scallions for a savory-sweet flavor perfect for rice or lettuce wraps. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 20 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 320 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 thinly sliced pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp, grated ginger
- 4 stalks, sliced into 1-inch pieces green onions
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix 2 tbsp gochujang, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger until smooth. Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add marinated pork and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until pork is browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: Add 4 sliced green onions and cook for 1-2 more minutes until bright and slightly softened. Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the top before serving hot with steamed rice or lettuce leaves.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Korean Spicy Pork Bulgogi with Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 with 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 thinly sliced pork shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Korean Spicy Pork Bulgogi with 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 Pan-Seared Korean Spicy Pork Bulgogi with 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 Pan-Seared Korean Spicy Pork Bulgogi with 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.
