Spicy Korean-Style Pork Stir Fry with Scallions and Sesame
A quick stir fry of tender pork strips tossed in a spicy-sweet Korean sauce with scallions and toasted sesame seeds. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 22 minutes pairs thinly sliced pork tenderloin, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced 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 tenderloin
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 4 stalks, sliced on bias scallions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork tenderloin and stir fry for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: In a small bowl whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the sauce over the pork in the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the pork.
- Step 5: Stir in 4 sliced scallions and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top. Remove from heat 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 Scallions and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 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 tenderloin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Pork Stir Fry 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 Stir Fry 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 Stir Fry 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.