Spicy Korean-Style Pork Bulgogi with Scallions and Sesame
Thinly sliced pork marinated in a spicy, savory blend of gochujang and soy, stir-fried quickly with scallions and toasted sesame seeds for a bold Korean-inspired dish. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 50 minutes pairs thinly sliced pork shoulder, 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 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 lb, thinly sliced pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated ginger
- 4, sliced into 2-inch pieces scallions
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tbsp gochujang, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the marinade. Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder and toss well to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add marinated pork and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until pork is cooked through and edges are slightly caramelized.
- Step 3: Add 4 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp sesame oil to the skillet, stir-frying for 1-2 minutes until scallions soften and become fragrant. Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Korean-Style Pork Bulgogi with Scallions and Sesame 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 Scallions and Sesame?
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 thinly sliced pork shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Pork Bulgogi with Scallions and Sesame?
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 and Sesame 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 and Sesame?
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.