Korean Stir-Fried Kale and Pork with Gochugaru
Stir-fry Medium

Korean Stir-Fried Kale and Pork with Gochugaru

Quick answer

Keil-dwaeji-gochugaru-bokkeum stir-fries marinated pork shoulder with kale in a chili-forward gochugaru and gochujang sauce.

What makes this special

  • Keil-dwaeji-gochugaru-bokkeum combines marinated pork with kale for a spicy, chili-forward stir-fry.
  • High heat finish leaves a faint char note on the pork
  • Kale holds its crunch under heat unlike most leafy greens
Total time
32 min
Level
Medium
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
10
Calories
395 kcal
Protein
29 g

Key ingredients

pork shoulder sliceskaleoniongreen oniongochugaru

Core cooking flow

  1. 1 Cut 420 g pork shoulder into bite-size pieces.
  2. 2 Remove the thick stems from 180 g kale and cut the leaves into 4 cm pieces.
  3. 3 Slice 120 g onion thinly and cut 60 g green onion on the diagonal.

Keil-dwaeji-gochugaru-bokkeum stir-fries marinated pork shoulder with kale in a chili-forward gochugaru and gochujang sauce. The pork marinates to develop deep, spicy savoriness, then sears quickly at high heat for a lightly charred edge. Kale holds up to the heat better than most leafy greens, retaining a pleasant chew that contrasts with the tender pork and cuts through its richness. The dish works well wrapped in lettuce without any extra dipping sauce, or simply piled over a bowl of steamed rice.

Prep 18min Cook 14min 4 servings

Instructions

Read the steps as a cooking flow: prep, heat, seasoning, doneness control, and finish.

6 steps
  1. 1
    Season

    Cut 420 g pork shoulder into bite-size pieces.

    Coat it evenly with gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sugar, then marinate for 10 minutes so the red seasoning starts to soak in.

  2. 2
    Season

    Remove the thick stems from 180 g kale and cut the leaves into 4 cm pieces.

    For a softer bite, blanch it in salted water for 30 seconds, then drain very well so it will stir-fry, not steam.

  3. 3
    Heat

    Slice 120 g onion thinly and cut 60 g green onion on the diagonal.

    Keep the prepared vegetables near the stove before heating the pan, because the stir-fry moves quickly once the pork starts searing.

  4. 4
    Control

    Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon cooking oil.

    Spread the marinated pork in a single layer, leave it for about 2 minutes, then toss when the edges begin to char lightly.

  5. 5
    Heat

    When the pork is nearly cooked through, add the onion and green onion and stir-fry for about 2 minutes.

    Cook until the onion turns translucent, scraping the pan before the chili paste on the bottom burns.

  6. 6
    Finish

    Add the kale and toss quickly over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes.

    Stop when the leaves turn bright green and just wilt, then serve over rice or with lettuce wraps while the pork is still glossy.

After the steps

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Tips

Add kale near the end since overcooking can make it tough.
For a softer texture, blanch kale in salted water for 30 seconds first.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories
395
kcal
Protein
29
g
Carbs
11
g
Fat
26
g