Sticky Gochujang Pork Bites
These sticky gochujang pork bites are the perfect quick, affordable and easy weeknight dinner. Bite-size pieces of pork get a light cornstarch coating, sear until golden, then get tossed in a sweet, spicy and savory gochujang, honey and soy sauce until glossy and sticky. This gochujang pork comes together in about 20 minutes.
Love sticky, saucy dinners? Try my Sticky Honey Soy Chicken too.
Why You’ll Love These Gochujang Pork Bites
- Ready in 20 minutes.
- Sweet, spicy and sticky gochujang sauce.
- Budget friendly thin-cut pork chops.
- Golden, crispy edges from a quick sear.
Ingredients for Sticky Gochujang Pork Bites
The Pork
Thin-cut pork chops, cornstarch, salt, pepper and neutral oil.
The Gochujang Sauce
Gochujang, soy sauce, honey, water, rice vinegar, grated garlic and optional ginger.
Swap note: Use tamari and a gluten-free gochujang for gluten free. Chicken thighs work in place of pork.
How to Make Gochujang Pork
Step 1: Make the sauce
Whisk all the sauce ingredients together and set aside.
Step 2: Prep the pork
Cut the pork into bite-size pieces, pat dry and season with salt, pepper and cornstarch.
Step 3: Sear
Heat a stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with the oil. Add the pork in a single layer and sear undisturbed 2 to 3 minutes until golden, then flip and cook 1 to 2 minutes more until 145°F.
Step 4: Make it sticky
Reduce the heat to medium-low, pour in the sauce and scrape up the browned bits. Toss until glossy and sticky, about 1 minute, then top with scallions and sesame seeds.
Carly’s Expert Tips
- Dry the pork well so it sears instead of steams.
- Don’t move it for the first few minutes to get a golden crust.
- Lower the heat before adding the sauce so the honey does not burn.
- Adjust the heat with more or less gochujang.
Make It Your Own
- Chicken: Use bite-size chicken thighs.
- Tofu: Use pressed, cubed tofu.
- Lettuce wraps: Serve in butter lettuce cups.
- Veggies: Add broccoli or snap peas.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Mix the sauce and cut the pork up to 1 day ahead. Cooked pork keeps for 4 days for meal prep bowls.
What to Serve With Gochujang Pork
Serve over jasmine rice with steamed broccoli, cucumber salad or kimchi.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water.
What People Ask About Gochujang Pork
What is gochujang?
A Korean fermented chili paste that is sweet, spicy and savory.
Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes. Chicken thighs work great.
How spicy is gochujang pork?
Medium heat, balanced by honey.
What temperature should pork reach?
145°F.
Sticky Gochujang Pork Bites
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients. Set aside.
- Cut pork into bite-sized pieces. Dry pork, then season with salt, pepper, and cornstarch until lightly coated.
- Heat a stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil.
- Add pork in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until golden.
- Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until cooked through (about 145°F).
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in the sauce and scrape up any browned bits.
- Toss until glossy and sticky, about 1 minute. Top with scallions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
- Make sure to dry the pork pieces thoroughly before coating them with cornstarch for better searing.
- Use a stainless steel or cast iron skillet for the best results when searing the pork.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang based on your spice preference.
- Optional ginger adds a subtle depth of flavor to the sauce.
