Pan-Seared Korean Spicy Pork Bulgogi with Sesame Scallions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Thinly sliced pork marinated in a savory, spicy Korean sauce, quickly pan-seared to caramelized perfection and topped with sesame-scallion garnish. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 43 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 380 calories and feeds 3, 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: 35 min Cook: 8 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 tbsp gochujang, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring until edges begin to caramelize.
  4. Step 4: Flip the pork and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until cooked through and slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 3 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 43 minutes (35 min prep + 8 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 Sesame 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 Sesame 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 Sesame Scallions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Sesame 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.

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