Pan-Seared Korean-Style Spicy Pork with Scallions

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

Thinly sliced pork marinated in a spicy gochujang sauce, pan-seared to caramelized perfection and garnished with fresh scallions. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 33 minutes pairs pork shoulder thin slices, 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 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Let sit for 20 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 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 without stirring to develop a caramelized crust.
  4. Step 4: Flip pork slices and cook another 3 minutes until cooked through and slightly charred on edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove skillet from heat, stir in 4 thinly sliced scallions, and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice or lettuce wraps.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 33 minutes (25 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-Style Spicy Pork 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 pork shoulder thin slices from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Korean-Style Spicy Pork 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-Style Spicy Pork 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-Style Spicy Pork 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.

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