Spicy Pork Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame

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

A quick stir-fry combining tender pork strips with colorful bell peppers and a bold spicy sesame sauce. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 22 minutes pairs minced garlic cloves, minced ginger, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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 tenderloin strips and sear for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until browned but not fully cooked.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger to the pork, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Toss in 1 large red bell pepper and 1 large green bell pepper sliced into 1/2-inch strips, stir-fry for 3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Pour the sauce over the pork and vegetables and stir-fry for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions before serving over steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Pork Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers 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 Pork Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers 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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Pork Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers 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 Pork Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers 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 Pork Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers 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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