Spicy Korean Back Rib Stir-Fry with Gochujang and Sesame

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

Quick stir-fried pork back ribs coated in a spicy, sweet gochujang sauce with toasted sesame seeds and scallions for a flavorful Korean-inspired dish. This Korean-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1.5 lbs pork back ribs cut into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry for 5 minutes until the edges start browning and the meat is cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss the ribs to coat evenly and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle 2 tbsp sesame oil over the ribs and toss with 3 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or leafy greens.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean Back Rib Stir-Fry with Gochujang and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Spicy Korean Back Rib Stir-Fry with Gochujang and Sesame?

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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean Back Rib Stir-Fry with Gochujang and Sesame?

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 Spicy Korean Back Rib Stir-Fry with Gochujang and Sesame 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 Spicy Korean Back Rib Stir-Fry with Gochujang and Sesame?

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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