Stir-Fried Korean Pork Bulgogi with Spicy Gochujang Sauce
Thinly sliced pork marinated in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce, stir-fried quickly with onions and scallions for a savory Korean classic. This korean-inspired stir fry ready in about 50 minutes blends pork shoulder, thinly sliced, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce 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 350 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 gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 medium, thinly sliced yellow onion
- 3 sliced into 2-inch pieces scallions
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade, tossing well to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering.
- Step 4: Add 1 medium thinly sliced yellow onion and stir-fry for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Step 5: Add the marinated pork and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the pork is cooked through and edges are caramelized.
- Step 6: Toss in 3 sliced scallions and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the top before serving with steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Korean Pork Bulgogi with Spicy Gochujang Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (40 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 Stir-Fried Korean Pork Bulgogi with Spicy 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 Stir-Fried Korean Pork Bulgogi with Spicy 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 Stir-Fried Korean Pork Bulgogi with Spicy 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 Stir-Fried Korean Pork Bulgogi with Spicy Gochujang Sauce?
Korean stir fry 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.