Perfect Spicy Korean Pork Stir-Fry

Discovering the Flavors

I love to cook Spicy Korean Pork Stir-Fry and It was a rainy afternoon when I decided to make my favorite dish: Spicy Korean Pork Stir-Fry. I had just come back from the local market, where the colorful vegetables and fragrant spices caught my eye. I felt inspired to bring some bold flavors into my kitchen. The thought of tender pork marinated in a spicy sauce made my mouth water. I couldn’t wait to share this dish with my family and friends!

Preparing the Ingredients

I started by slicing the pork shoulder thinly, making sure to cut against the grain. As I chopped the onions and scallions, the sweet smell filled the air. Then, it was time to make the marinade. I mixed gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil in a big bowl. The bright red color of the gochujang excited me! I added garlic, ginger, and even a grated apple for a hint of sweetness. I tossed the pork in the marinade, letting it soak up all the delicious flavors.

Cooking with Care

After letting the pork marinate for an hour, I heated my skillet over medium-high heat. The sizzle of the meat hitting the pan was music to my ears. I cooked the pork in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Each piece caramelized beautifully, turning golden brown and smelling heavenly. I added the onions and scallions toward the end, letting them soften and mingle with the pork. The vibrant colors and aromas filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t help but feel proud of what I was creating.

Sharing the Joy

Once the stir-fry was ready, I plated it up and garnished it with sesame seeds and extra scallions. I served it with steaming rice, and as I called my family to the table, their eyes lit up with excitement. Each bite of the Spicy Korean Pork Stir-Fry was a flavor explosion! The spicy, savory marinade perfectly balanced the sweetness of the apple. We laughed and shared stories as we enjoyed the meal together. That night, I realized how food brings people closer and creates wonderful memories.

Chef’s Notes-Spicy Korean Pork Stir-Fry

• For the best flavor, marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. If you have time, marinating overnight in the refrigerator will deepen the flavors.
• Use a sharp chef’s knife to slice the pork thinly against the grain. This helps the meat remain tender and makes it easier to cook evenly.
• Cook the pork in batches to prevent overcrowding the skillet, which allows the meat to caramelize properly rather than steam.
• Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added nutrition and color. Just be sure to add them to the skillet in accordance with their cooking times (softer veggies can be added earlier).
• Adjust the amount of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to suit your spice preference. Start with 1 tablespoon if you prefer a milder dish and adjust from there.
• Serve with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, or over noodles. You can also garnish with sesame seeds or additional scallions for extra flavor and presentation.

Spicy Korean Pork Stir-Fry

Recipe by Kimmy

Course: Main CourseCuisine: Korean

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

Resting Time

1

hour 

Total time

1

hour 

20

minutes

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this Spicy Korean Pork Stir-Fry! This dish is a flavor explosion, combining tender pork with a spicy, savory marinade that will leave you craving more. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe is both simple and delicious. Inspired by the bold flavors of Korean cuisine, it’s a must-try for any food lover!

Ingredients

• Pork and Vegetables

• 2 pounds thinly sliced pork shoulder or butt (or a mix of both)

• 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced

• 3 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces

• Marinade

• 6 tablespoons Korean chili paste (gochujang)

• 1 to 2 tablespoons Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 3 tablespoons rice wine (or mirin)

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or brown sugar)

• 1 tablespoon honey (or additional sugar)

• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

• 2 tablespoons minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

• 1/2 small apple, grated (or 2 tablespoons plum syrup)

Directions

• Prepare the Meat and Vegetables – If not pre-sliced, thinly slice the pork shoulder or butt. Slice the onion and cut the scallions into 2-inch pieces. This should take about 10 minutes.
• Mix the Marinade – In a large mixing bowl, combine gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and grated apple. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
• Marinate the Pork – Add the sliced pork to the marinade bowl and toss to coat evenly. Add the sliced onion and scallions and mix again to ensure even distribution. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to an hour to allow flavors to meld.
• Cook the Pork – Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated pork mixture in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each batch for about 5-7 minutes until the pork is slightly caramelized and cooked through.
• Serve – Transfer the cooked pork to a serving dish and garnish with additional scallions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.

Equipment

• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons
• skillet

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Potassium: 600mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 30g
• Vitamin A: 500IU
• Vitamin C: 10mg
• Calcium: 50mg
• Iron: 3mg

FAQ- Spicy Korean Pork Stir-Fry

Can I use a different cut of pork?

Yes! Chicken thighs or beef slices are great alternatives to pork shoulder. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for chicken.

What is gochujang, and where can I find it?

Gochujang is a Korean chili paste made from fermented soybeans, glutinous rice, and red chili powder. It can be found in most Asian grocery stores or in the international aisle of many supermarkets.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure that your rice wine is gluten-free as well.

How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated pork before cooking. Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.