Spicy Korean-Style Chicken Bulgogi Stir Fry

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

Tender chicken strips marinated in a spicy gochujang sauce, stir-fried with crisp vegetables for a quick and flavorful Korean-inspired meal. This korean-inspired chicken ready in about 37 minutes pairs gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, sesame oil 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb sliced boneless chicken thighs with 2 tbsp gochujang, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Mix well to coat and marinate for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5 minutes until the edges start to brown.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium julienned carrot, 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, and 3 sliced green onions to the wok. Stir-fry together for 3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup water to deglaze the pan and steam the chicken and vegetables for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp sesame seeds over the stir-fry before serving with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Style Chicken Bulgogi Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 37 minutes (25 min prep + 12 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-Style Chicken Bulgogi Stir Fry?

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-Style Chicken Bulgogi Stir Fry?

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-Style Chicken Bulgogi Stir Fry 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-Style Chicken Bulgogi Stir Fry?

Korean chicken 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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