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Jeyuk Bokkeum Spicy Pork Stir Fry - A Bold, Weeknight-Friendly Korean Classic

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) thinly sliced pork shoulder or pork belly
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)
  • 1/2 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
  • 2 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1–2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
  • 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1–2 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), to taste
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar or honey
  • 1 tbsp rice wine or mirin
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1–2 tbsp water (to loosen, if needed)
  • Optional: 1–2 tsp doenjang (Korean soybean paste) for extra depth

Method
 

  1. Slice the pork: If not pre-sliced, place pork in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up, then slice thinly against the grain.
  2. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, combine gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and water. Add doenjang if using. Adjust spice and sweetness to taste.
  3. Marinate: Toss pork with the sauce until evenly coated. Marinate 15–30 minutes at room temp (or up to 8 hours in the fridge).
  4. Prep veggies: Slice onion, carrot, bell pepper, and scallions so everything is ready before cooking.
  5. Heat the pan: Use a large skillet or wok. Add oil and heat over medium-high until shimmering.
  6. Stir-fry aromatics and veg: Add onion and carrot first. Cook 2 minutes until slightly softened. Add bell pepper.
  7. Add the pork: Spread the pork in a single layer. Let it sear for 30–45 seconds before stirring, then cook, stirring often, 4–6 minutes until just cooked through and lightly caramelized.
  8. Finish with scallions: Toss in scallions and cook 30 seconds. If sauce looks too thick, splash in a tablespoon of water to loosen.
  9. Serve hot: Sprinkle sesame seeds. Serve with rice, lettuce leaves for wraps, and kimchi on the side.