Get set to stir up some fun with this gochujang pork stir-fry! It’s loaded with a kick of spicy-sweet flavor and fresh, colorful veggies. A super tasty way to bring some excitement to your weeknight dinner!

A sizzling wok filled with gochujang-coated pork, bell peppers, and celery, all topped with toasted sesame seeds. The pork pieces are golden and crispy, mingling with vibrant veggies, creating a colorful, mouthwatering stir-fry.

Do not forget to check out my Chefs Tips and Wine Pairings sections below!

Believe me when I say this Gochujang Pork Stir Fry will definitely spice up your weekday dinners! Imagine succulent pork, with a coating drenched in an amazing sweet and tangy sauce. You know what’s exciting? That’s the beginning!

Then we are going to add some colorful veggies, a dash of sesame seeds, and serve it all over some fluffy brown rice. You’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

We are blending the zesty sweet Korean gochujang with pork and traditional Chinese elements to craft a delicious fusion meal.

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Top-down view of the ingredients for Gochujang Pork Stir-Fry, including diced pork tenderloin in a bowl, red bell pepper, green onions, celery, brown rice, gochujang paste, ginger, and sesame seeds on a light background.

Why this works

  1. This Gochujang Pork Stir-Fry recipe combines the five basic tastes:
    • Sweetness, from honey or brown sugar in the sauce, brings a nice sugary flavor. ⁤
    • ⁤Sourness, from by rice vinegar, adds a sharp and tangy…Umph ⁤
    • ⁤Saltiness comes from the soy sauce, giving the dish a deep, savory character. ⁤
    • ⁤Umami, the rich and savory taste, is from by the soy sauce and gochujang paste. ⁤
    • ⁤Bitterness, though subtle, is from the green onions and the slight char from stir-frying, offering a nuanced backdrop.
  2. Texture Contrast: Coating the pork in cornstarch gives it a crispy outside that’s perfect with the tender and slightly crunchy stir-fried veggies. This mix of textures makes every bite so satisfying!
  3. Bold Flavors: Garlic and ginger? They’re a must in Asian cooking! They add a spicy kick and rich aroma, making the flavors pop
  4. Customize the Heat: You can easily adjust the heat by tweaking the gochujang paste and adding or skipping the Fresno pepper, so everyone can enjoy it just how they like it!
  5. We are mixing Korean and Chinese flavors – fusion! This Gochujang-Honey Glazed Pork Stir-Fry is right in the sweet and spicy spot. It’s a unique blend of tastes you’re going to flip for! Promise!!
Diced pork tenderloin coated in cornstarch, arranged on parchment paper. The coating creates a light, powdery layer that will crisp up nicely when stir-fried, enhancing texture and flavor.

How to make Amazing Gochujang Pork Stir-Fry

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pork

  1. Coat the pork tenderloin pieces in cornstarch for a crispy exterior.
  2. Heat oil in a wok or large pan and stir-fry the pork in batches until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Veggies and Make the Sauce

  1. In the same pan, add more oil if needed and stir-fry green onions, celery, and red bell pepper until softened. Add fresno pepper for extra heat.
  2. Return the pork to the pan, mix in gochujang paste, then pour in the sauce (soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, cornstarch mixture). Stir until everything is well coated and the sauce thickens.

Step 3: Serve and Garnish

  1. Serve the stir-fry over a bed of cooked brown rice.
  2. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty finish.

Remember, you can skip ahead Jump to Recipe

Take It to the Next Level

Marinate: Marinate your pork cubes in soy sauce, gochujang, garlic, ginger, and honey for about 30 minutes. By now you all know how much I think marinating make a difference, right??

Add Fresh Herbs: Add some nice fresh cilantro or Thai basil at the end. It adds fresh flavor that goes great with the spicy and tangy sauce.

Incorporate Crunch: Sprinkle some chopped peanuts or cashews on top right before serving. They add crunch and an extra layer of flavor that works so well with the sweet and spicy stir-fry. Honestly, who does not love a nice crunch!

Use a High-Heat Oil: Go for a high-smoke point oil like peanut or avocado oil. It lets you cook at a higher heat so you get a nice sear and that real stir-fry flavor!

Pickles! Make a quick batch of pickled cucumbers or radishes. That tangy crunch? It’s the perfect balance to the bold, spicy stir-fry.

Experiment with Noodles: Swap out the brown rice for stir-fried noodles like udon or soba for a different texture and flavor experience.

Drizzle with a Finishing Oil: Just before serving, add a little toasted sesame oil or chili oil over the stir-fry. It adds a final pop of flavor and makes the stir-fry look amazing!

A close-up of a serving of gochujang pork stir-fry over a bed of brown rice, topped with sesame seeds. The pork is crispy, the veggies are vibrant, and the sauce is glossy and rich.

Chefs tips

  • Cooking Technique: Start by getting a good sear on the pork to get a caramelized crust, You can finish it in the oven to keep from burning it.

Ingredient Quality: Choose heritage breed pork, known for its great flavor and fat marbling. Using organic and local vegetables seriously makes a noticeable difference. Honestly more so for the local vegetables.

  • Flavor Complexity: Make your glaze more interesting with ingredients like mirin for sweetness, a bit of fish sauce for umami, and some citrus zest for a fresh taste.
  • Texture Contrast: Add something crunchy, like crushed candied nuts or crispy shallots, to mix it up with the tender pork.

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Key Ingredients

  • Gochujang Paste: The ingredient that probably stands out the most is the Gochujang paste. It’s a chili paste that adds an subtly sweet kick.
  • Pork Tenderloin: Lean and tender, it cooks really evenly and stays juicy. When tossed in cornstarch and stir-fried, it gets a crispy outside that’s a great match with the veggies.
  • Soy Sauce: Is a must-have no doubt, it adds a salty, umami flavor that balances the sweetness from the gochujang and honey, tying everything together.
  • Ginger and Garlic: Are like peas and carrots (Gump anyone??) in Asian cooking. They pack a real punch with their warm, spicy kick. They add depth and and complexity to our stir fry.
  • Veggies (Green Onions, Celery, Red Bell Pepper): These bring in color, crunch, and a bit of sweetness, adding texture and balancing out the rich flavors of the pork and sauce.
  • Brown Rice: A great base that soaks up all the tasty sauce, adding a nutty flavor and hearty texture to make the dish more satisfying.

Wine Pairings

  • Riesling: A slightly sweet or off-dry Riesling is going to be great! It’s going to balance the heat from the gochujang and Fresno pepper perfectly. And those fruity notes and light acidity? Great, for cutting through sweetness and tanginess in the sauce.
  • Gewürztraminer: This is an aromatic wine, with hints of lychee, peach, and rose. It is a great match for spicy Asian dishes overall. Its sweetness helps cool down the heat, while its bold flavors stand up to the spice of the stir-fry.
  • Pinot Noir: A light Pinot Noir with bright acidity works great to balance our stir fry’s richness. Its red fruit flavors go so well with the sweet and spicy notes in the stir-fry.
  • Syrah/Shiraz: If you’re in the mood for red, a Syrah or Shiraz with a bit of spice and fruitiness is a great match. Pick one that’s smooth, not too tannic, so it won’t clash with the spice
  • Grenache: A medium-bodied Grenache with spicy berry notes and soft tannins? That’s just what you need! It balances the pork and gochujang by matching the our dish’s sweet and spicy flavors perfectly.
A bowl of gochujang pork stir-fry served over fluffy brown rice, garnished with toasted sesame seeds. The vibrant veggies and glazed pork pieces add a colorful, delicious-looking contrast to the neutral plate.

Faq’s

Can I substitute the pork?

Of course! Feel free to swap in chicken, beef, or any protein you likeᅳit’s all up to you! The steps stay the same; just watch the cooking time since it might change a bit.

Is gochujang paste essential?

This is what makes our Gochujang Pork Stir-Fry so special! It brings a unique mix of sweet, spicy, and umami flavors that really makes the dish. If you don’t have it, consider mixing red chili paste with a little honey or sugar. Keep in mind, this will change the flavor a bit.

How can I adjust the spiciness?

The heat in this dish mainly comes from the gochujang paste and the optional fresno pepper. Adjust the amount of gochujang to suit your spice tolerance, and feel free to skip the fresno pepper if you prefer a milder taste.

What if I don’t have a wok?

No wok? No worries! A big skillet or frying pan works great, too. Just make sure there’s enough space to stir-fry and keep that heat high. Want to up your stir-fry game? Serious Eats has a great guide!

Can I use white rice instead of brown?

Absolutely! You can swap in white rice if that’s what you prefer. The method stays exactly the same, just keep an eye on the cooking time — it might be a bit different.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll be good for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet until they’re nice and warm.

Equipment Needed

Sharp Knife: Be sure to have a high quality knife, on hand for cutting the meat and vegetables when prepping!

Cutting Board: Your go-to for chopping all those fresh ingredients.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: These are a (obvious!!) lifesaver for getting the sauce ingredients and rice just right!

Mixing Bowls: One for mixing up the sauce and another for tossing the pork with cornstarch.

Rice Cooker or Pot: Either works great for cooking your brown rice to perfection.

Wooden Spoon or Spatula: I always try to use wooden utensils, they don’t scratch!

A skillet filled with stir-fried pork, red bell peppers, celery, and green onions coated in a glossy gochujang sauce, topped with sesame seeds.
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Amazing Gochujang Pork Stir-Fry

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Author: Dave @ Savory Kitchin
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese, Korean
Yield: 4
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This Gochujang Glazed Pork Stir-Fry is packed with flavors that I promise, you will crave!
It's a tasty fusion of Korean and Chinese influences. Crispy pork tenderloin and fresh veggies like green onions, celery, and red bell pepper.
Want to turn up the heat? Add in a fresno pepper!
The sauce brings it all together with with a perfect sticky and tasty glaze. Serve it over some brown rice, add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and you are in for a treat!
 

Ingredients

For the pork

  • 1 lb diced pork tenderloin
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 3 tbsp tablespoons gochujang paste (adjust according to spice preference)
  • 4 green onions, sliced diagonally
  • 2 celery sticks, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, julienned
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 fresno pepper, finely sliced (optional for extra heat)

Sweet and Tangy Asian Inspired Sauce

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water

Instructions
 

  • Begin by cooking the brown rice according to package instructions to ensure it’s ready by the time the stir-fry is done.
  • Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl. Add the cornstarch-water mixture and stir until smooth. Set aside.
  • Toss the diced pork tenderloin in cornstarch until evenly coated. This helps to create a crispy exterior when cooked.
  • Heat a splash of oil in a wok or large pan over high heat. Add the pork in batches, and stir-fry until golden and cooked through. Remove the pork and set aside.
  • In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed, and stir-fry the green onions, celery, and red bell pepper until just softened. For an extra kick, add the fresno pepper here as well.
  • Return the pork to the wok with the vegetables. Stir in the gochujang paste to coat the ingredients well.
  • Pour the prepared sauce over the pork and vegetables, tossing everything together until the sauce thickens and glazes the ingredients.
  • Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry for a nutty finish.
  • Dish out a helping of brown rice onto each plate, and top with the gochujang-glazed pork stir-fry.
  • Dive into the layers of flavors, from the smokiness of the pork to the underlying sweetness and tang of the sauce, complemented by the nutty crunch of sesame.
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