Stir-Fried Spicy Korean Pork with Sesame and Scallions
Tender pork slices wok-tossed in a spicy gochujang glaze, accented by toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions for a flavorful Korean-inspired dish. This korean-inspired pork ready in about 22 minutes pairs thinly sliced pork shoulder, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce 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 shoulder
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp minced ginger root
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 sliced on the diagonal scallions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced ginger to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder and stir-fry for 3 minutes until edges begin to brown.
- Step 3: Pour the marinade over the pork and add 2 tbsp water. Stir continuously for 4-5 minutes until pork is cooked through and sauce thickens and coats the meat.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 3 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the pork. Stir for 30 seconds to combine and release aroma.
- Step 5: Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper, remove from heat, and serve immediately, ideally with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Spicy Korean Pork with Sesame and Scallions 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 Stir-Fried Spicy 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 thinly sliced pork shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Spicy 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 Stir-Fried Spicy 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 Stir-Fried Spicy 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.
Equipment for this recipe
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