Spicy Korean-Style Pork Stir Fry with Gochujang and Sesame

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

Thinly sliced pork stir-fried with spicy gochujang sauce and crunchy vegetables for a vibrant Korean-inspired dish. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs pork shoulder, thinly sliced, vegetable oil, garlic cloves 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until starting to brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger to the pork, stirring continuously for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp brown sugar, coating the pork evenly. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and pork is cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium julienned carrot and 2 sliced green onions, stir-frying for another 2 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the stir fry, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss gently and serve hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Style Pork Stir Fry with Gochujang and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Stir Fry with Gochujang 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 pork shoulder, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Pork Stir Fry with Gochujang 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 Stir Fry with Gochujang 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 Stir Fry with Gochujang 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.

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