Spicy Korean Stir-Fried Pork with Sesame and Scallions
A fiery pork stir-fry loaded with bold Korean flavors, sesame oil, and fresh scallions for a quick and popular dinner with a satisfying kick. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs pound thinly sliced pork shoulder, tablespoons soy sauce, tablespoon brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound thinly sliced pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced
- 4 scallions green onions sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons gochujang, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon minced ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1 pound thinly sliced pork shoulder and mix well to marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated pork in a single layer and stir-fry for 6-8 minutes until pork is cooked through and edges are caramelized.
- Step 3: Stir in 4 sliced green onions and cook for an additional 1 minute until scallions are fragrant but still crisp.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds on top before serving immediately with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Korean Stir-Fried Pork with Sesame and Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Spicy Korean Stir-Fried Pork with Sesame and Scallions?
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 tablespoons soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean Stir-Fried Pork with Sesame and Scallions?
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 Stir-Fried Pork with Sesame and Scallions 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 Stir-Fried Pork with Sesame and Scallions?
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.