Spiced Korean-Style Pork Bulgogi Bowls

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet and savory marinated pork grilled and served over rice with crisp vegetables for a flavorful Korean-inspired meal. This korean-inspired rice & grains ready in about 50 minutes pairs thinly sliced pork shoulder, soy sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger to form the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated pork slices in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: To assemble bowls, divide 2 cups cooked white rice among four bowls. Top each with grilled pork, 1 small thinly sliced cucumber, 1 medium julienned carrot, and 2 sliced scallions.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over each bowl before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Korean-Style Pork Bulgogi Bowls take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 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 Spiced Korean-Style Pork Bulgogi Bowls?

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 Spiced Korean-Style Pork Bulgogi Bowls?

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 Spiced Korean-Style Pork Bulgogi Bowls 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 Spiced Korean-Style Pork Bulgogi Bowls?

Korean rice & grains 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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