Pan-Seared Korean-Style Spicy Pork with Gochujang Sauce

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

Thin slices of pork marinated in a spicy, savory gochujang sauce then pan-seared to a delicious caramelized finish. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 33 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: 8 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated pork slices in a single layer, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until edges caramelize and pork is cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Scatter 2 sliced green onions over the pork and stir to combine for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top before serving with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Korean-Style Spicy Pork with Gochujang Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (25 min prep + 8 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-Style Spicy Pork with Gochujang 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-Style Spicy Pork with Gochujang 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-Style Spicy Pork with Gochujang 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Korean-Style Spicy Pork with Gochujang Sauce?

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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