Spicy Korean-Inspired Pork Stir Fry with Garlic and Gochujang

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick stir fry of thinly sliced pork shoulder tossed in a vibrant spicy-sweet gochujang sauce with crisp vegetables for a satisfying dinner. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs thinly sliced pork shoulder, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sesame oil until smooth and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder to the skillet in a single layer and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Toss in 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper and 3 sliced green onions, stir-frying for another 2 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Pour the prepared gochujang sauce over the pork and vegetables, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats everything.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Inspired Pork Stir Fry with Garlic and Gochujang 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-Inspired Pork Stir Fry with Garlic and Gochujang?

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 Spicy Korean-Inspired Pork Stir Fry with Garlic and Gochujang?

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-Inspired Pork Stir Fry with Garlic and Gochujang 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-Inspired Pork Stir Fry with Garlic and Gochujang?

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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