Spicy Korean Gochujang Pork

Spicy Korean Gochujang Pork is a flavorful dish featuring tender pork marinated in a vibrant Gochujang sauce, pan-seared to perfection. This dish is ideal for a hearty meal over rice with vegetables on the side.

What is Spicy Korean Gochujang Pork?

This dish captures the essence of traditional Korean BBQ with its intense flavors and simple cooking method. Unlike typical Korean BBQ that’s grilled tableside, this recipe uses a skillet or wok, making it convenient for home cooking. The key ingredient, Gochujang (Korean red chili paste), infuses the pork with a unique, spicy flavor that’s balanced with hints of sweetness and umami.

Ingredients & Preparation

• Pork: Thinly sliced pork shoulder is ideal as it absorbs the marinade well and cooks quickly.
• Gochujang: This Korean chili paste is the star of the marinade, offering depth and heat.
• Aromatics and Seasonings: Green onions, garlic, and ginger add freshness and pungency, essential for building the base flavor.
• Liquids for Marinade: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil create a balanced, tangy, and rich marinade.
• Sweetness and Heat: Sugar enhances the marinade’s complexity, while additional red pepper flakes boost the heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Pork: Combine thinly sliced pork shoulder with green onions, garlic, ginger, Gochujang, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 30 to 60 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Cook the Pork: Heat canola oil in a large skillet or wok until sizzling. Cook the pork in batches to avoid overcrowding, allowing each piece to get slightly crispy, about 3-5 minutes per batch.
3. Serving: Sprinkle cooked pork with sesame seeds for an added texture and nutty flavor. Serve hot alongside steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Spicy Korean Gochujang Pork

• Slicing the Pork: For best results, partially freeze the pork to slice it thinly. This ensures it cooks quickly and stays tender.
• Pantry Preparation: Always have a jar of Gochujang on hand. It’s versatile and can enhance many dishes with its unique flavor.
• Adjusting Heat Levels: The spice level can be adjusted by altering the amount of red pepper flakes and Gochujang according to your preference.

Storage and Meal Prep

1. Refrigerator Storage: Keep leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
2. Freezer Option: Freeze marinated pork in portions for easy future meals. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

Ingredients

• Pork Shoulder: 1 ½ pounds (680 g), sliced very thin
• Green Onion: 2 tablespoons, diced
• Garlic: 5 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon, minced
• Korean Red Chili Paste (Gochujang): 1/2 cup (120 g)
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon
• Soy Sauce: ¼ cup (60 ml)
• Rice Vinegar: 3 tablespoons (45 ml)
• Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon
• Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon
• Canola Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml), for cooking
• Sesame Seeds: To garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:

1. In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced pork, green onion, garlic, ginger, Korean red chili paste (Gochujang), red pepper flakes, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper.
2. Mix well to ensure the pork is thoroughly coated with the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate. Let the pork marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Cook the Pork:

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the canola oil and allow it to get hot.
2. Once the oil is sizzling, add the marinated pork in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure the pork cooks evenly and gets slightly crispy.
3. Cook each batch for about 3-5 minutes or until the pork is slightly crispy and fully cooked through.
4. As each batch is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl to keep warm. Continue with the remaining pork.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Once all the pork has been cooked and transferred to a serving dish, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for garnish.
2. Serve the spicy Gochujang pork with a side of rice and vegetables for a complete meal.

This Spicy Korean Gochujang Pork is not just delicious but also a vibrant dish that brings the flavors of Korean BBQ right to your kitchen, perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion meal.