Pan-Seared Korean-Style Spicy Pork Bulgogi
Tender strips of pork marinated in a spicy-sweet Korean-style sauce and pan-seared to caramelized perfection. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 20 minutes pairs thinly sliced pork shoulder, soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste) 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, thinly sliced pork shoulder
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp, grated ginger
- 2 stalks, thinly sliced green onion
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp, for garnish toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 thinly sliced green onions. Whisk well to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade and toss until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to develop flavor.
- 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 3-4 minutes per side, until the edges are caramelized and pork is cooked through.
- Step 4: Remove pork from heat and sprinkle with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice and side vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Korean-Style Spicy Pork Bulgogi 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-Style 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-Seared Korean-Style 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-Style 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-Style 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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