Spicy Korean-Style Pork Bulgogi with Scallions
Thinly sliced pork marinated in a spicy, savory Korean sauce and quickly stir-fried with scallions for a punchy, authentic flavor. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork shoulder, thinly sliced, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 lb pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp, minced ginger
- 4, cut into 2-inch pieces scallions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tbsp gochujang, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp minced ginger to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated pork in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the edges start to brown.
- Step 4: Add 4 scallions cut into 2-inch pieces, stirring with the pork for an additional 2 minutes until scallions soften but remain bright green.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the pork, toss to combine, and remove from heat immediately to keep the pork tender and juicy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Korean-Style Pork Bulgogi with Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (35 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 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 pork shoulder, thinly sliced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Pork Bulgogi with 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-Style Pork Bulgogi with 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-Style Pork Bulgogi with 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.