If you want a dinner that’s quick, tasty, and a little spicy, this Korean-style pork stir fry is a good option. It uses a few basic ingredients, comes together fast, and works well with rice or noodles. The sauce is savory with a balance of heat and sweetness.
The Story Behind This Recipe
This dish reminds me of the times I needed dinner on the table fast after a long day. It started as a way to use up ground pork in the fridge and turned into a repeat meal because it’s so straightforward yet flavorful.
I like to make this stir fry when I have limited time but still want something a little special. The spicy-sweet sauce is really what pulls it together. I usually serve it with steamed rice and a simple cucumber salad to cool things down.
Something I always find helpful is prepping the sauce before starting to cook the pork. That way I can toss everything quickly in the pan without rushing measurements. It’s little habits like this that make weeknight cooking less stressful.
People who try this dish often comment on how satisfying it is despite the simplicity. You get a bit of heat with a touch of sweetness that feels balanced and homemade. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.
Cuisine: Korean
Course: Dinner
Servings: 3-4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1. In a small bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and black pepper to make the sauce.
- Step 2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 3. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion; cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Step 4. Add ground pork, breaking it apart with a spatula; cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 5. Pour the sauce over the cooked pork and stir well to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6. Add sliced green onions and toss to mix.
- Step 7. Serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for Success
- If you can’t find gochujang, you can substitute with a mix of chili garlic sauce and a bit of miso paste.
- Use a nonstick skillet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare all ingredients before you start cooking; this keeps the process smooth and quick.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochujang according to your preference.
Variations & Substitutions
- Switch ground pork for ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- Add sliced bell peppers or shredded carrots to the stir fry for extra veggies and color.
- Serve wrapped in lettuce leaves for a lighter, hands-on version.
- Mix in some cooked ramen noodles right at the end for a one-pan noodle dish.
