Pork Bulgoge

My family goes nuts for this Pork Bulgoge, an easy Korean stir fry with amazing flavors!

My hubby did not grow up with any ethnic foods other than the occasional pizza. I’m glad I’ve swayed him over to loving other cuisines, like this quick and scrumptious pork stir fry!

What is Pork Bulgoge or Bulgogi?

Although I was exposed to Asian food growing up, it wasn’t anything that appeared at our dinner table. I love making stir fries for my family, but had never made any Korean food till my friend, Norm, shared his recipe for pork bulgoge, which translates to fire pork. A simple marinade, with soy sauce, sesame oil, sherry, garlic, fresh ginger and more, permeates the thinly sliced pork before being tossed into a hot pan to cook. It’s the crushed red pepper flakes that gives this dish its fire!

Served over white rice, this Korean stir fry is a quick, flavorful weeknight meal! I reminded the persnickety hubby that he did not eat any Asian food when we got married and he was dubious about the first stir fry I served him. He quickly became a fan. If my picky family approves, I bet yours will, too.

Check out my Beef Bulgogi for another delicious meal! And these Quick and Easy Asian Take Out Recipes you can make at home.

Tips for Making This Easy Korean Stir Fry

Norm’s recipe was published in Everyday Food Magazine, and after making it the first time, I can see why it was selected. Here are some tips for making this Korean stir fry.

Start with Pork Tenderloin

• The EDF magazine editors changed the cut of pork to tenderloins from a fattier cut of pork. Tenderloins are leaner and really simple to cut into thin medallions.
• PRO-Tip: I like to slice while the pork is still slightly frozen, which makes it easier to make very thin slices.

Cook Quickly and in Small Batches

• If you have a wok, it’s perfect for this dish. I just use a large saute pan.
• When making a stir fry, cook it in small increments. Add some of the pork and onion mixture to your hot oil, cook, then remove to a serving bowl before adding more pork.

Tweak This Pork Bulgoge Depending on your Heat Tolerance

• I’ve cut the red pepper flakes by a lot, and this pork bulgoge quickly became a family favorite. My husband, especially, does not like really spicy foods. If your palate can handle the heat, feel free to double the crushed red pepper flakes.
• If you’re trying to follow a low-carb diet, serve this pork in lettuce leaves instead of on rice.
• Sprinkle your pork with sesame seeds for an elegant finishing touch! Flowering chives are a gorgeous addition if your garden is in bloom when you make this!

Yield: 3 servings

Pork Bulgoge

Print

A flavorful Korean stir fry that comes together in minutes!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork tenderloin (sliced wafer thin (easy to do when partially frozen))
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4-6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons dry sherry or sake
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (I cut it down to 1/2 teaspoon)
• 1 large onion (cut into 12ths)
• Toasted sesame seeds to garnish (optional)
• Peanut oil

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients except peanut oil and sesame seeds. Set aside to marinate at least 10 minutes.
2. In wok or large skillet, heat oil. Add marinated meat/onions in batches, frying till no longer pink. When all batches are cooked, return meat to pan to reheat.
3. Serve over rice with a garnish of sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Recipe courtesy of my friend, Norm Matthews