Dinner

Korean Spicy Pork Bulgogi (Dwaeji Bulgogi) Recipe

Name: Korean Spicy Pork Bulgogi (Dwaeji Bulgogi) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 43 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 lb pork shoulder or pork belly, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste); 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon honey or rice syrup; 2 tablespoons mirin or rice wine; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 2 green onions, sliced; Sesame seeds (optional)

ByLila Prescott October 14, 2025October 14, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Korean Spicy Pork Bulgogi, or Dwaeji Bulgogi, is a flavorful and fiery dish featuring tender pork marinated in a spicy, sweet, and savory sauce. Perfect for those who love bold Korean flavors, this dish is quick to prepare and pairs wonderfully with rice or fresh lettuce wraps.

The image shows a black cast iron skillet filled with pieces of red, spicy-looking cooked meat, topped with thinly sliced bright green herbs that add a fresh touch. The meat looks moist and well-coated with sauce, giving it a rich texture. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface, and blurred in the background are bowls and plates with different foods, adding depth to the scene. A woman's hand is reaching toward the food, suggesting it is ready to be served. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb pork shoulder or pork belly, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)

1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon honey or rice syrup
2 tablespoons mirin or rice wine
1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, honey, mirin, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
Step 2: Add the thinly sliced pork and sliced onions to the marinade. Toss thoroughly to coat all the pieces, then cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot.
Step 4: Add the marinated pork and onions to the pan. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Step 6: Serve hot alongside steamed rice, in lettuce wraps, or with kimchi for a complete Korean meal.

Tips & Variations

For a milder version, reduce the amount of gochujang and gochugaru to suit your spice preference.
Substitute pork shoulder with pork belly for a richer, fattier flavor.

Marinate longer, up to 4 hours, to deepen the flavors and tenderize the pork.
Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the pan for extra texture and nutrition.
Use maple syrup instead of honey or rice syrup as a natural sweetener alternative.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked pork bulgogi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Marinated but uncooked pork can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking for best freshness.