Seared Korean-Style Spicy Pork Bulgogi

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

Thinly sliced pork marinated in a spicy and savory Korean gochujang sauce then quickly seared to caramelized perfection. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs pork shoulder, thinly sliced, 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1 tsp grated ginger until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder and 2 sliced scallions to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated pork in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Korean-Style Spicy Pork Bulgogi take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 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 pork shoulder, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in 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 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 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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