Korean Spicy Marinated Pork
Korean Spicy Marinated Pork is tender, juicy, sweet, and deliciously spicy.Thinly sliced pork is coated in a flavorful gochujang-based marinade.Garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil create rich layers of flavor.The pork is cooked over high heat until beautifully caramelized and slightly charred.It can be served with rice, lettuce wraps, kimchi, and fresh vegetables.This easy Korean-inspired recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Pork
- 700 g pork shoulder or pork belly, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, cut into pieces
For the Spicy Marinade
- 3 tablespoons gochujang
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
For Serving
- Steamed rice
- Lettuce leaves
- Kimchi
- Sliced cucumber
- Extra sesame seeds
Instructions
Prepare the Pork
- Thinly slice the pork if necessary. Pork shoulder works especially well because it remains tender and juicy, while pork belly provides a richer and more indulgent result.
Make the Marinade
- In a large bowl, combine the gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and optional mirin. Mix until the marinade becomes smooth and well combined.
Marinate the Pork
- Add the sliced pork, onion, and green onions to the bowl. Mix thoroughly so that every piece is generously coated with the spicy marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.
Heat the Pan
- Place a large skillet, wok, or grill pan over medium-high to high heat. Allow it to become very hot before adding the pork.
Cook the Pork
- Cook the marinated pork in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Stir frequently and cook until the pork is fully cooked, caramelized, and slightly charred around the edges.
Add the Final Touches
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the cooked pork. Add extra green onions if desired.
Serve
- Serve the Korean spicy marinated pork hot with steamed rice, kimchi, cucumber, or lettuce leaves for delicious wraps.
Notes
- Pork shoulder is a great choice for a balance of tenderness and flavor.
- Pork belly creates a richer and more indulgent version.
- Gochujang is the key ingredient for the signature spicy and savory flavor.
- Marinating the pork for longer produces deeper flavor.
- Cook the pork over high heat for better caramelization.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking.
- Adjust the amount of gochugaru to control the spice level.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.