Spicy Stir-Fried Korean Pork with Sesame and Scallions

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

A quick stir-fry featuring tender pork strips tossed in a spicy-sweet sauce with sesame seeds and fresh scallions for authentic Korean flavors. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 20 minutes pairs vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves, gochujang (Korean chili paste) 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.

Prep: 10 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 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound thinly sliced pork shoulder strips to the skillet. Stir-fry over high heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pork is browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir together 2 tablespoons gochujang, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar in a small bowl. Pour this sauce over the pork and continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pork evenly.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and toss in 4 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds. Mix well to incorporate the fresh scallions and nutty sesame seeds throughout before serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Stir-Fried Korean Pork with Sesame and Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Stir-Fried Korean Pork with Sesame and Scallions?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Stir-Fried Korean Pork with Sesame and Scallions?

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 Stir-Fried Korean Pork with Sesame and Scallions 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 Stir-Fried Korean Pork with Sesame and Scallions?

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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