Spicy Korean-Style Pork Bulgogi with Gochujang

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

Thinly sliced pork marinated in a spicy, sweet gochujang sauce, then grilled or pan-fried to caramelized perfection with a kick of heat. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 50 minutes pairs thinly sliced pork shoulder slices, gochujang (Korean red chili paste), soy sauce 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 3 minced garlic cloves to form a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 14 oz thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
  4. Step 4: Add the marinated pork slices in a single layer, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until the edges caramelize and the pork is cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onion stalks and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Style Pork Bulgogi with Gochujang take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 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-Style Pork Bulgogi with 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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Pork Bulgogi with 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-Style Pork Bulgogi with 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-Style Pork Bulgogi with 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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