Spicy Korean-Inspired Stir-Fried Pork with Gochujang Sauce
Thinly sliced pork stir-fried with vegetables and tossed in a flavorful, spicy gochujang-based sauce for a quick and vibrant Korean meal. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes blends thinly sliced pork shoulder, soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste) into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, thinly sliced pork shoulder
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 stalks, sliced green onions
- 1 medium, julienned carrot
- 1 medium, thinly sliced onion
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp, for garnish toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add marinated pork and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently until pork is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
- Step 4: Add 1 medium thinly sliced onion, 1 julienned carrot, and 3 sliced green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry together for an additional 3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving hot with steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Korean-Inspired Stir-Fried Pork with Gochujang Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Spicy Korean-Inspired Stir-Fried Pork with Gochujang Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Inspired Stir-Fried Pork with Gochujang Sauce?
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 Stir-Fried Pork with Gochujang Sauce 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 Stir-Fried Pork with Gochujang Sauce?
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.