Pan-Seared Korean Spicy Pork with Garlic Scallion Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender slices of pork cooked in a spicy Korean chili marinade, served with a fragrant garlic and scallion sauce for bold flavor. This korean-inspired pork (gluten-free option) ready in about 35 minutes blends pork shoulder, thinly sliced, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper until combined. Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork slices in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through with crispy edges.
  3. Step 3: While pork cooks, combine 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 cup chopped scallions in a small bowl.
  4. Step 4: Once pork is cooked, remove from heat and immediately spoon the garlic and scallion mixture over the pork, allowing the residual heat to gently soften the garlic and scallions.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds over the dish for a nutty crunch and serve hot with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Korean Spicy Pork with Garlic Scallion Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Korean Spicy Pork with Garlic Scallion Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Korean Spicy Pork with Garlic Scallion Sauce?

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 with Garlic Scallion Sauce 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.

Is Pan-Seared Korean Spicy Pork with Garlic Scallion Sauce gluten-free option?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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