Spicy Korean-Style Pork Stir-Fry with Gochujang Sauce
A fiery pork stir-fry coated in a savory-sweet gochujang sauce, tossed with crunchy vegetables and served over steamed rice. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes blends pork shoulder, thinly sliced, soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste) into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 scallions, sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced ginger. Marinate for 20 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated pork in a single layer and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until cooked through and slightly caramelized.
- Step 3: Add 1 large julienned carrot and 1 medium sliced green bell pepper to the pork. Stir-fry for another 3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Step 4: Toss in 3 sliced scallions and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry and serve immediately with steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Korean-Style Pork Stir-Fry with Gochujang Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Spicy Korean-Style Pork Stir-Fry with Gochujang Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Pork Stir-Fry with Gochujang Sauce?
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 Sauce 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 Sauce?
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.